Storage Mottingham Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Mottingham provides storage and, where applicable, associated removal and transport services. By making a booking, paying a deposit, or using our facilities or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. If you do not agree with any part of them, you should not proceed with your booking or use our services.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below.

Customer means the individual, firm or company that requests or uses our storage or removal services.

Services means any storage, removal, transport, handling, packing, loading, unloading or related services provided by Storage Mottingham.

Storage Facility means the premises or units where goods are stored by Storage Mottingham.

Goods means all items entrusted to us for storage, removal or handling, including packaging and containers.

Contract means the agreement between Storage Mottingham and the Customer incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or booking confirmation issued by us.

2. Scope of Services

Storage Mottingham provides storage services and may also supply associated services such as removals, collection, delivery, and loading or unloading of goods. The precise scope of services will be as set out in our quotation or booking confirmation.

All services are provided subject to availability and subject to these Terms and Conditions, whether or not they are expressly referred to when booking.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Quotations

Quotations are based on the information provided by the Customer and are subject to inspection of goods and access conditions. Quotations are not binding if the information supplied is incomplete, inaccurate or changes prior to the commencement of services.

3.2 Making a booking

A booking is made when the Customer confirms acceptance of our quotation and we issue a booking confirmation. Acceptance may be given verbally or in writing, including through any booking system we operate. By confirming a booking, the Customer confirms that they have the authority to enter into the Contract.

3.3 Changes to bookings

Any change to dates, times, volume of goods, access conditions, or services required may result in an adjusted price. Changes are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until confirmed by us in writing.

3.4 Minimum terms

We may apply a minimum storage period or minimum service charge. Any such minimums will be made clear in the quotation or booking confirmation.

4. Payments and Charges

4.1 Pricing

Prices for storage and related services are as set out in our current tariff, quotation, or booking confirmation. All prices are stated in pounds sterling and, unless expressly stated otherwise, are exclusive of any applicable taxes or government charges.

4.2 Deposits

We may require a deposit to secure a booking or storage unit. Deposits are payable by the date specified in the quotation or booking confirmation. We reserve the right to treat a booking as cancelled if the required deposit is not paid on time.

4.3 Payment terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, storage fees are payable in advance for each billing period. Charges for removals, collections, deliveries or other one off services are payable on or before the date of service. We may refuse to commence or continue services or release goods until all outstanding sums have been paid in full.

4.4 Late or non payment

If payment is not received by the due date, we may charge interest on any overdue amount at the statutory rate allowable under UK law, accruing daily until payment is received in full. We may also suspend services, deny access to the Storage Facility, and retain possession of goods held in storage until payment is received.

4.5 Lien

We have a contractual lien over all goods stored or handled for the Customer for all sums due under the Contract or any other agreement with the Customer. If outstanding sums remain unpaid after reasonable notice, we may, in accordance with applicable law, sell or dispose of some or all of the goods and apply the proceeds towards the outstanding balance and reasonable disposal costs. Any surplus will be held for the Customer.

4.6 Additional charges

Additional charges may apply for waiting time caused by delays outside our control, difficult access, extra handling, re packing, or where the volume or weight of goods exceeds the amount estimated at the time of quotation. Any such charges will be calculated using our current tariff and are payable immediately upon demand.

5. Cancellations and Amendments

5.1 Cancellation by the Customer

The Customer may cancel services or storage by giving us notice in writing. Any cancellation may incur a charge, particularly where short notice is given.

5.2 Cancellation charges for removals and related services

Where removal or transport services are booked for a specific date, we may apply the following cancellation charges unless otherwise stated in the quotation:

a. More than seven days before the service date no cancellation charge.

b. Between seven days and forty eight hours before the service date a percentage of the quoted price may be charged to cover allocated resources and administrative costs.

c. Less than forty eight hours before the service date up to the full quoted price may be charged.

Any specific cancellation policy provided in writing will take precedence over the general policy set out above.

5.3 Cancellation of ongoing storage

For ongoing storage, the Customer must give notice in accordance with any minimum notice period specified in the storage agreement or tariff. Where no period is specified, we may require not less than fourteen days notice to end the storage arrangement. Storage fees remain payable up to the end of the notice period, even if goods are collected earlier.

5.4 Cancellation or suspension by Storage Mottingham

We may cancel or suspend services or storage immediately if the Customer fails to pay any sum due, breaches these Terms and Conditions, behaves in a manner that is abusive or threatening, brings prohibited items into the Storage Facility, or if we are required to do so by law or competent authority. In such circumstances, no refund will be due for any unused portion of prepaid services, subject always to applicable consumer law.

6. Customer Responsibilities

6.1 Information and access

The Customer must provide complete and accurate information about the goods to be stored or removed, the locations involved, and any access restrictions such as parking limitations, narrow staircases, lifts, or restricted loading times. The Customer must ensure that suitable parking and access are available at both collection and delivery points and must obtain any necessary permissions or permits.

6.2 Packing and preparation

Unless we have expressly agreed to provide packing services, the Customer is responsible for ensuring that goods are properly packed and protected for storage and transport. Fragile or high value items must be suitably wrapped and clearly identified. Goods should be free from infestations, mould, damp and contamination.

6.3 Prohibited items

The Customer must not store or present for removal any goods that are dangerous, illegal, perishable, explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous. This includes gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, fireworks, firearms, illegal substances, cash, securities, living creatures, or any item which may cause harm to persons, property or the environment.

6.4 Labelling and inventory

The Customer should ensure that all boxes and containers are properly labelled and that any inventory lists supplied to us are accurate. We are not responsible for checking the contents of containers supplied by the Customer.

7. Our Responsibilities and Limitations of Liability

7.1 Duty of care

We will exercise reasonable care in handling, transporting and storing the goods. However, we do not guarantee that any particular storage unit is suitable for any specific item, and the Customer must satisfy themselves that the nature and condition of the facility is appropriate for their needs.

7.2 Exclusions of liability

We will not be liable for any loss, damage or deterioration of goods arising from any of the following causes.

a. Inadequate or improper packing by the Customer.

b. Normal wear and tear, ageing, rust, mould, mildew, gradual deterioration, or changes in atmospheric conditions.

c. Inherent defects or specific susceptibilities of the goods, including electrical or mechanical derangement of appliances or equipment unless caused by our negligence.

d. Infestations introduced by the Customer or pre existing in the goods.

e. Acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party acting on the Customer's behalf.

f. Events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, war, terrorism, civil commotion, strikes, or compliance with legal obligations.

7.3 Monetary limits

Subject to any mandatory rights under consumer law and except where we have agreed otherwise in writing, our total liability for loss of or damage to goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise, shall not exceed a reasonable limit per consignment or per storage unit. Any higher level of liability or insurance cover must be expressly agreed in writing and may be subject to additional charges.

7.4 Indirect and consequential loss

We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such losses.

7.5 Personal injury and fraud

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be lawfully limited or excluded under UK law.

8. Insurance

8.1 Customer insurance

The Customer is strongly advised to ensure that they have adequate insurance in place to cover their goods while in storage and in transit. Any insurance obtained by the Customer is a matter between the Customer and their insurer.

8.2 Optional cover

Where we offer optional insurance or extended liability cover, the terms of that cover will be provided separately. Any such cover will not take effect unless expressly confirmed and the required premium has been paid.

9. Access to the Storage Facility

9.1 Access rights

Access to the Storage Facility and to any stored goods is only permitted during our stated opening hours or by prior arrangement. We may require identification and proof of authority before permitting access.

9.2 Health and safety

All Customers and their visitors must comply with our health and safety rules and any instructions given by our staff while on site. Children must be supervised at all times. Smoking, vaping, and the use of naked flames are not permitted within the Storage Facility.

9.3 Right of entry

We reserve the right to enter any storage unit or handle any stored goods where we reasonably believe that there is a risk to safety, a breach of these Terms and Conditions, or where we are required to do so by law, emergency services, or a competent authority.

10. Waste and Environmental Regulations

10.1 No waste storage

The Customer must not use the Storage Facility for the disposal or long term storage of waste, including household rubbish, construction debris, clinical waste, or any materials classified as controlled or hazardous waste under applicable UK legislation.

10.2 Prohibited disposal

Goods must not be abandoned or left in common areas, loading bays, corridors or outside the Storage Facility. Any such items may be treated as waste and removed or disposed of by us. The Customer will be responsible for all reasonable costs associated with such removal and disposal.

10.3 Compliance with law

The Customer must ensure that all goods stored or removed comply with relevant environmental, waste and safety regulations. We may refuse to accept, store or transport any item that we reasonably believe may breach such regulations.

10.4 Disposal of uncollected goods

Where storage fees remain unpaid or goods are not collected after the end of the Contract, we may, following reasonable notice and in compliance with applicable law, treat the goods as abandoned and arrange for their sale, recycling or disposal. Disposal costs and any outstanding charges will be deducted from any sale proceeds, with any surplus held for the Customer.

11. Data Protection and Privacy

We will collect and process personal data about the Customer as necessary to take bookings, provide services, manage payments, comply with legal obligations, and maintain security at the Storage Facility. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection law. Details of how we handle personal data may be set out in a separate privacy notice.

12. Complaints and Disputes

12.1 Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our services, you should raise the matter with us as soon as possible, providing full details and any supporting information. We will make reasonable efforts to investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

12.2 Claims for loss or damage

Any claim for loss of or damage to goods must be notified to us in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within a reasonable period after the Customer becomes aware of the loss or damage. Failure to notify within a reasonable period may adversely affect our ability to investigate and may limit our liability, except where such limitation is prohibited by law.

13. Variation and Severability

13.1 Variations

We may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking or renewal of storage will apply to that Contract. Any variation to these Terms and Conditions requested by the Customer will be valid only if confirmed in writing and signed by an authorised representative of Storage Mottingham.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter or formation, whether contractual or non contractual, subject to any mandatory rights you may have as a consumer to bring proceedings in another jurisdiction.

By using the services of Storage Mottingham, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to these Terms and Conditions.