Terms and conditions.

1. Scope

These terms apply to quotes and services provided by Harvard Removals. The booking contract issued for your move sits alongside them; where the two differ, the booking contract takes precedence.

2. Quotes

Quotes reflect the information you give us and what we observe at survey. They assume reasonable access at both addresses and that the volume presented on the day matches what was surveyed. Where either differs materially we will tell you before proceeding and the quote may be revised. A quote is valid for thirty days from issue unless stated otherwise.

3. Access and permissions

You are responsible for ensuring safe and lawful access at both properties, for obtaining any parking permission or bay suspension required, and — where a building requires notice, a lift booking, a loading bay reservation or evidence of insurance lodged with a managing agent — for obtaining that permission. If access is refused on the day by building management or a local authority, the booking is treated as a late cancellation.

4. Booking and deposits

A date is held once the booking is confirmed and any deposit paid. Where a deposit is taken it is refundable in full if you cancel within fourteen days of paying it, provided that period ends before the move date.

5. Cancellation and postponement

Tell us as early as you can. Cancelling or postponing close to the date may incur a charge reflecting resource committed and no longer reassignable; the scale is set out in the booking contract. On European bookings, cancellation after a crossing or consolidation slot has been reserved may carry third-party costs we cannot recover.

6. What we will not carry or handle

Fuel, gas cylinders, aerosols, paint, solvents, explosives and other hazardous goods. We do not remove or handle asbestos in any form; where suspected asbestos is encountered we will stop work on that item and advise you to instruct a licensed contractor. We will not knowingly carry illegal items, live animals or perishable food. Cash, jewellery, deeds, passports and similar valuables should travel with you rather than on the vehicle. Additional restrictions apply to consignments entering the EU, and we supply the relevant list before packing.

7. Your responsibilities

Declaring items of unusual value or weight, checking nothing is left behind, and — for European moves — the accuracy of the inventory and obtaining the personal documentation the destination country requires, including tax and residence numbers. Boxes you have packed yourself are packed at your risk.

8. Liability and insurance

We hold goods in transit and public liability cover. The limits that apply to your move, including any per-item limit, are stated in the booking contract. Items of exceptional value must be declared in advance to be covered beyond the standard limit.

We are not liable for damage to goods you packed where the packing is the cause, for pre-existing defects, for damage arising from access described inaccurately, for wear inherent in moving large items through spaces not designed for them, or for loss caused by events outside our reasonable control.

9. Claims

Note apparent loss or damage at delivery and report it to us in writing within seven days of delivery. Claims made after that period may not be accepted. Do not dispose of damaged items or their packaging before a claim is settled, as they may require inspection.

10. Customs and border authorities

Customs authorities may inspect, delay or refuse a consignment. We are not liable for duties, taxes, storage, demurrage or missed crossings arising from an inspection, from documentation you supplied that proves inaccurate, or from failure to obtain required identification or residence documents in time.

11. Payment and storage

Unless agreed otherwise in writing, payment is due before or on completion. For European consignments payment is due before goods are released for delivery at destination. Storage charges accrue per period and are payable in advance; goods remain subject to a lien for unpaid charges, and extended non-payment may result in disposal in accordance with the booking contract and applicable law.

12. Complaints and governing law

Raise complaints with us first at hello@harvardremovals.co.uk so we can put things right. These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.