House Movers – Terms & Conditions
Introduction
These Terms & Conditions explain the rights, obligations and responsibilities of all parties to this Agreement. Where we use the word ‘You’ or ‘Your’ it means the Customer; ‘We’, ‘Us’ or ‘Our’ means House Movers. These Terms and Conditions can be varied or amended subject to prior written agreement. In Clauses 8, 9, 10 and 11 we limit our liability for any loss or damage for factors beyond our control. We recommend you arrange insurance to cover your goods or premises. We can arrange insurance for your benefit upon request; such insurance will be separate from this contract and subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
1. Our Quotation
1.1 Our quotation, unless otherwise stated, does not include insurance, customs duties, port charges (including demurrage), inspections, or any government fees or taxes.
1.2 Our quotation is valid for seven days from issue. Unless already included, reasonable additional charges apply if:
1.2.1 Work does not commence within seven days of acceptance.
1.2.2 Costs change due to currency fluctuations, taxation, freight, fuel or other factors beyond our control.
1.2.3 Delays or events outside our control increase the time/resources needed.
1.2.4 You agree to pay reasonable charges arising from the above.
1.2.5 Our limit of liability for loss and damage is set out in Clauses 8 and 10.
1.3 Insurance
1.3.1 We agree in writing to provide standard public liability and marine insurance. See Clauses 1.3.2–1.3.4 for full details.
1.3.2 We provide standard public liability insurance and standard marine insurance at no extra cost.
1.3.3 Public liability cover up to $10 million; marine cover up to $10,000 per truckload. Excess—$500 and $250 respectively (payable by you). Certificate of Currency available on request.
1.3.4 To increase coverage and avoid excess fees, you must agree in writing and pay higher removal charges prior to the move.
2. Work Not Included in the Quotation
Unless agreed in writing, we will not:
2.1.1 Disconnect/reconnect, dismantle/re-assemble appliances, fixtures, fittings or equipment.
2.1.2 Take up or lay fitted floor coverings.
2.1.3 Move items from a loft unless properly lit, floored and safe access is provided.
2.1.4 Dismantle/assemble garden furniture or equipment (sheds, greenhouses, play equipment, satellite dishes, paving slabs, planters, etc.).
2.1.5 Provide special tools—only standard tools are carried if requested at booking; any special tools are your responsibility.
Note: Our movers are not authorised or qualified for such work. You should separately employ a qualified person for these services.
3. Your Responsibility
You must:
3.1.1 Arrange adequate insurance for goods in transit—our liability is limited under Clauses 8 and 10.
3.1.2 Obtain all documents, permits, permissions, licences or customs documents necessary for the removal.
3.1.3 Be present or represented throughout collection and delivery.
3.1.4 Ensure nothing to be removed is left behind and nothing is taken in error. You have the right to inspect the vehicle if in doubt.
3.1.5 Sign any inventories, receipts, job sheets or waybills we provide as confirmation of collection or delivery.
3.1.6 Protect goods left in unoccupied or unattended premises.
3.1.7 Prepare and stabilise appliances or electronic equipment prior to removal.
3.1.8 Empty, defrost and clean refrigerators/deep freezers—we are not responsible for contents.
3.1.9 Ensure domestic and garden equipment (washing machines, dishwashers, lawn mowers, etc.) are clean, dry and free of fluids.
3.1.10 Provide a correct, up-to-date contact address and telephone number during transit.
3.1.11 Ensure items will fit in the new premises (sofas, through doorways, etc.). Our movers will not remove doors or windows and will leave items outside if they do not fit. You must engage a specialist if needed.
3.2 You must inform us of awkward access (no vehicle access, no nearby parking, narrow stairs/hallways). We reserve the right to charge extra for unforeseen delays (waiting for keys, incorrect addresses, etc.).
3.2.1 Parking is your responsibility. If legal parking is unavailable, you must arrange a permit or council suspension and advise us of the closest legal space. Any parking fines are your responsibility; we will not park illegally.
Unless due to our negligence or breach of contract, we are not liable for costs arising from your failure to meet these responsibilities.
4. Goods Not to Be Submitted for Removal
Unless authorised in writing by us, the following must not be submitted for removal:
4.1.2 Prohibited or stolen goods, drugs, pornographic material, dangerous/explosive items (gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms, ammunition).
4.1.3 Jewellery, watches, precious metals/stones, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins or similar valuables.
4.1.4 Goods likely to encourage pests or contamination.
4.1.5 Perishable items or those requiring a controlled environment.
4.1.6 Animals, birds, fish, reptiles or plants.
4.1.7 Goods requiring special licensing for export/import.
We will notify you if goods are hazardous, unhygienic or likely to attract pests, and under what conditions we may accept or refuse them. If refused, we bear no liability.
5. Ownership of the Goods
By entering this Agreement, you guarantee:
5.1.1 The goods are your property, free of any legal charge.
5.1.2 You have full authority of the owner or any legal interest-holder to enter this Agreement and they have agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
6. Cancellation & Refund Policy
6.1 Once your booking is confirmed, we reserve the time and mover(s).
6.1.1 Cancellations made more than 24 hours before job commencement incur no fee.
6.1.2 Cancellations within 24 hours incur a minimum one-hour charge (as quoted), and any deposit will be applied to this fee.
6.1.3 You can reschedule or cancel by email to housemovers.au@gmail.com or by calling 0416 497 475.
7. Payment Requirements
We accept cash, all major credit cards (1.5% surcharge), and company cheques made payable to House Movers. Payments must be made upon job completion; we may require an initial deposit to confirm your booking.
8. Our Liability and Guarantee for Loss or Damage
We guarantee our own work and that of our agents. See the Liability Matrix below. We do not guarantee work carried out by you or your agents. For time limits on reporting damage, see Clause 11.
| Stage | Packing | Loading | Transporting | Unloading | Unpacking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Us/Agents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| You/Agents | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Options if damage arises from our negligence:
8.1 Repair to pre-damage condition.
8.2 Replace if beyond repair, or compensate to current value (independent valuer if needed).
8.3 File a claim through our standard insurance (Clause 1.3).
8.4 If vehicle damage leads to goods damage and our insurer pays out, we compensate you to the extent of that payout.
For details on exclusions and when we are not liable, see Section 10.
9. Damage to Premises or Property Other than Goods
9.1 If, due to our negligence or breach of contract, we damage your premises or property, liability is limited to making good the damaged area only.
9.1.2 If damage occurs moving goods under your express instructions against our advice, we are not liable.
10. Exclusions of Liability and Delays
10.1 Liability Exclusions
We will not be liable for loss or damage caused by:
Fire/explosion (you must insure against these).
Improperly packed TVs, computer equipment, scientific/musical instruments, etc.
Glass/mirrors not packed securely.
Stone items (granite, marble, etc.).
Flat-pack furniture not disassembled.
Mobile storage container moves.
Your participation in the move.
Your instruction to proceed with known inadequate packaging.
10.2 Delays
We are not liable for delays due to war, terrorism, Acts of God, industrial action, port congestion, weather, traffic accidents, or other events beyond our control. Arrival times are estimates; delays may occur due to prior jobs or customer causes.
10.3 Other Exclusions
We are not liable for normal wear and tear, vermin infestation, cleaning/repair work not arranged by us, atmospheric condition damage, pre-existing defects, or mechanical/electrical breakdown absent external damage.
No employee or sub-contractor is separately liable for loss, damage, errors or omissions under these Terms.
11. Time Limit for Claims
11.1 Visible damage must be reported before our movers leave.
11.2 Damage to boxed or non-inspected items must be reported within 24 hours of move completion.
12. Delays in Transit
12.1 We are not liable for transit delays unless due to our negligence.
12.2 If unable to deliver due to no fault of ours, we will place goods in storage at your expense.
13. Storage of Undelivered Goods
If goods remain undelivered due to non-payment or other reasons beyond our control, we may store them for up to 30 days; extra storage fees apply. After 30 days, we may dispose of goods without notice and apply proceeds to outstanding charges.
14. Our Right to Sub-contract
14.1 We may sub-contract any part of the work; our Terms still apply.
15. Route and Method
15.1 We choose the route and method of transport.
15.2 Unless agreed otherwise, we may carry other customers’ consignments on the same vehicle.
16. Our Right to Sell or Dispose of Goods
If charges remain unpaid 45 days after notice, we may require removal of your goods or sell/dispose of them to recover outstanding amounts.
17. Toll Charges
Any tollway charges incurred during the move will be added to your invoice.
18. Staff Abuse
Verbal or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. If forced to leave due to abuse, you remain liable for full payment.
19. Photos and Videos
19.1 You consent to House Movers taking photos/videos of you when sharing reviews.
19.2 We may copy or screenshot public posts about us and use them for promotion.
19.3 Such media become our exclusive property, and you waive any claims for remuneration or injunction.
20. Termination
We may decline or terminate any job if:
20.2 Wrong information was provided at booking.
20.3 Movers feel unsafe or uncomfortable due to your behaviour.
20.4 The work environment is unsafe.
21. Default
21.1 If you:
Fail to pay on due date,
Breach these Terms and fail to rectify within seven days,
Cancel services after confirmation,
Become bankrupt or have a receiver appointed,
then we may repossess goods, resell them, terminate the Agreement and seek outstanding monies (including debt-collection/legal fees of at least 20% plus GST).
22. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the law of Australia, and any dispute is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
For more information:
Visit: https://housemovers.au
Call: 0416 497 475
Email: housemovers.au@gmail.com