Terms and conditions

1. Scope

These terms govern removals, packing, storage and associated transport carried out by Sevenoaks Removals for customers in the Sevenoaks district and the surrounding area. They become part of our agreement once a written quotation is accepted.

2. Surveys and quotations

Every quotation follows a survey, which fixes the volume, the access at each end, the protection the fabric requires, the depth of packing and whether goods are to be held. A written quotation stands for thirty days from its date, against the inventory taken at that survey.

Where the inventory changes we tell you before continuing and confirm any revised figure in writing. Nothing is altered on the day without your agreement.

3. Protection of the building

Protection appropriate to the fabric is included in every quotation and the quotation states what it consists of. On older properties this is substantial work and is priced as such rather than absorbed.

Our protection is free-standing, taped to itself, or applied with low-tack materials to sound modern surfaces only. We do not fix anything into lime plaster, historic joinery, stone or any other original fabric, and where a method would require such a fixing we use a different method.

4. Fixtures, and what stays with a building

Fitted joinery, panelling, overmantels, original ironmongery and similar items may form part of a building — including, in a listed building, as a matter of law — and may also be fixtures under your sale contract.

Our crews do not remove such items without your written instruction, and where there is genuine doubt we leave the item in place and raise it with you. Nothing on this site or said by our staff is legal advice on listed building consent.

5. Access, grounds and approaches

Describing access at both ends is your responsibility: the lane, the clear gap between gateposts, the drive surface and gradient, turning space, weight-limited bridges, floors, stairs and any parking restriction.

Where ground conditions make it unsafe or damaging to bring a vehicle to the property we will shuttle with a smaller vehicle or carry further, and we will raise the consequence with you at the time rather than adjusting an invoice quietly. We do not drive across grass or soft ground without protection.

6. Booking and payment

A booking becomes firm once the quotation is accepted in writing and any deposit stated on it is paid. A deposit is returned in full on cancellation more than fourteen days ahead of the booked date; inside that window some or all may be retained against costs already committed.

The balance falls due as the quotation states, and in any event within fourteen days of the invoice date unless agreed otherwise in writing. Interest may fall due on anything unpaid after that.

7. Goods we will not carry

Hazardous and prohibited items: fuel, gas cylinders, fireworks, solvents, open paint, corrosives, ammunition and similar. Nothing perishable and nothing living; plants travel at your own risk. Money, jewellery, deeds, passports and medication should stay with you.

8. Cover, and making good

Goods in transit and in store are covered to the level your quotation and storage agreement state, subject to the exclusions written there. Declare anything of unusual value — including antique and inherited items — before the move so that it can be handled and covered properly.

Where damage occurs to historic fabric, making good is carried out by a specialist appropriate to the material rather than by a general repair.

Cartons packed by you are covered for loss or damage arising from our handling but not for damage attributable to the packing itself.

9. Storage

Goods we hold are loaded, inventoried and recorded at the collection address. Charging runs from the collection day in the periods the storage agreement sets out. Reaching held goods is by arrangement and requires reasonable notice.

We will tell you plainly what conditions a storage arrangement offers. Where a consignment requires conditions we cannot provide, we will say so rather than accept it.

Where storage charges go unpaid and written notice allowing not less than thirty days has been given, we may exercise a lien over the goods and ultimately sell them to recover the debt, accounting to you for any surplus.

10. Valuation

We do not value goods and we do not advise on what anything is worth. Where a valuation is needed for insurance or for a declaration, it is obtained from a qualified valuer and we will say so rather than offer an opinion.

11. Matters outside our control

Planning gives us no authority over traffic, weather, ground conditions, road or lane closures, port or crossing disruption, customs processing, or a chain collapsing. Where any of that bears on your move we tell you at once and work out the best remaining option with you.

12. Moves outside the UK

Customs clearance on a European move is handled by us or our appointed agent against the inventory taken at your property. You are responsible for obtaining the documents marked as yours on the relevant country page and for the accuracy of what you tell us for the declaration, including the age and description of items of value. Duties, taxes and charges imposed at the destination are payable by you unless the quotation states otherwise.

We do not carry out sea or air freight. Where a destination requires either, we will say so rather than accept the booking.

13. Claims

Tell us as soon as you notice loss or damage, and in writing within seven days of delivery or of goods leaving store. Keep the item and its packaging so both can be examined. A late report may limit what the cover will meet.

14. Cancellation by us

Work that would be unsafe, unlawful or impossible for reasons beyond our control may be cancelled or postponed, with sums paid for work not carried out refunded.

15. Law

The law of England and Wales governs these terms, and its courts have jurisdiction over any dispute arising under them.

Anything unclear?

Ask before you book, on the contact page.