The calm before the Christmas rush
Every year, it sneaks up on us. One moment it’s the start of November and we’re talking about Halloween sweets and bonfire night fireworks — the next, the radio is playing Christmas songs and the roads are jammed with families heading to see relatives.
For many families in and around Tamworth, December means one thing: travel. The car is full, the boot is overflowing, and suddenly that “quick trip to visit family” feels like a military operation.
But this year, there’s a simple way to make sure the festive season runs smoother — book your roof box early.
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we see it every year. Families call in mid-December, desperate for a Thule 470L or 580L roof box, only to find that every single one is already booked. It’s understandable — Christmas sneaks up on all of us. But with a little planning, you can avoid the stress, skip the packing chaos, and actually look forward to your Christmas road trip.
Why early booking matters
A roof box might not seem like the first thing on your Christmas checklist, but if you’re travelling anywhere over the holidays, it’s one of the most important. By November, our bookings start to ramp up quickly. By early December, demand often doubles — particularly for families heading to visit relatives or going on festive holidays.
Here’s why booking early is so important:
- Availability – Our Thule 470L and 580L boxes are extremely popular during the Christmas period. Booking early guarantees your preferred size.
- Convenience – Fitting and collection are quicker when the schedule isn’t full. You can pick a time that suits you instead of squeezing into a packed diary.
- Peace of mind – Knowing your extra space is sorted means one less thing to worry about while you’re juggling shopping, family plans, and travel.
- Better preparation – With your roof box sorted, you can start packing early and take your time — no last-minute rush the night before you travel.
Booking ahead is one of those small actions that pays off in a big way. The earlier you do it, the easier your Christmas will be.
Who needs extra space at Christmas?
Let’s be honest — everyone does. Even the most compact families somehow end up travelling with twice as much as usual. Thick coats, bulky jumpers, Christmas gifts, and bags of food all seem to multiply overnight.
For families visiting relatives, space disappears fast. Add a pushchair, dog bed, or suitcase for a relative you’re picking up, and suddenly the boot doesn’t close. That’s when a roof box becomes a lifesaver.
And it’s not just families visiting relatives. Plenty of customers head away on holiday at Christmas — perhaps a cosy cottage in the Lake District, a cabin in Wales, or even a winter break in Europe. For those driving to ski resorts, a Thule 580L XXL roof box can comfortably carry skis, snowboards, and bulky winter gear without compromising cabin space.
The comfort difference
If you’ve ever spent a long car journey with bags packed around your legs and coats piled in the footwell, you’ll understand how much difference a roof box makes.
When everything fits neatly on the roof, the car feels twice as big. Children have legroom, the dog has its spot, and everyone can travel in comfort rather than chaos.
That’s why so many of our customers describe hiring a roof box as the best decision they made that Christmas. It doesn’t just add space — it adds calm. The journey becomes part of the holiday rather than a stressful prelude to it.
Why choose West Midlands Roof Box Hire
At West Midlands Roof Box Hire, we specialise in making travel easy. Our Tamworth unit at Amington Industrial Estate is simple to access, with no gates or waiting times. We offer both Thule 470L large boxes and Thule 580L XXL boxes, all brand-new, sleek, and safe.
Every box is professionally fitted to your car while you wait, ensuring a perfect, secure installation. When you return, we remove it for you — quick, easy, and hassle-free.
What sets us apart?
- Flexible hire periods — weekend, week, or multi-week.
- Professional fitting included — no tools, no stress.
- Top-of-the-range Thule models — stylish, aerodynamic, and reliable.
- Friendly local service — no call centres, just real people ready to help.
Whether you’re heading to Scotland, the south coast, or across to Europe, we’ll make sure your car is ready for the journey.
Real stories from local families
One of our regular customers, the Harper family from Lichfield, always hire a Thule 580L from us in December. They drive up to Yorkshire every Christmas to stay with family, bringing along gifts, food, and a week’s worth of luggage for five people.
In their words:
“Before we found West Midlands Roof Box Hire, Christmas travel was stressful. We had things under seats, in the kids’ laps, and couldn’t see out of the back window. Now, everything fits perfectly, and the journey is relaxed. We wouldn’t travel without one.”
Stories like that remind us why our service matters — it’s not about storage, it’s about making Christmas easier for families.
The difference between Thule 470L and 580L boxes
Choosing the right size roof box depends on your car and your plans.
- Thule 470L (Large): Ideal for small families or short breaks. Fits most cars easily and holds enough for a family of four.
- Thule 580L (XXL): Perfect for bigger families, long holidays, or ski trips. The dual-side opening makes loading and unloading quick and easy.
Both boxes are built to Thule’s world-renowned safety standards and are designed to stay secure in all weather — rain, snow, or wind.
Why roof box hire beats buying
Buying a roof box can cost hundreds of pounds, and most families only need it a few times a year. By hiring, you get the same premium product without the storage, maintenance, or expense.
You only pay for the time you need it — and you get professional fitting included. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that makes perfect sense for seasonal travel.
Planning your festive road trip
If you’re travelling in December, aim to book your roof box by mid-November. That gives you time to:
- Arrange a fitting slot that suits your schedule.
- Test how your luggage fits.
- Plan your route and travel days around busy holiday traffic.
We recommend bringing your car to Unit 154, Amington Industrial Estate, Tamworth, B77 4ED. Fitting takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll be ready to hit the road.
Travel safely and enjoy the journey
Before you set off, make sure:
- The box is evenly loaded (heavier items in the centre).
- Your car tyres are at the correct pressure.
- The box is locked securely before driving.
- You check height restrictions for car parks and ferries.
Roof boxes are aerodynamic, so they don’t affect driving much, but it’s wise to take corners smoothly and watch your clearance under barriers.
Final thoughts
Booking early isn’t just about logistics — it’s about peace of mind. Christmas should be a time for excitement and relaxation, not last-minute scrambles.
By reserving your Thule roof box now, you’ll know that your travel plans are sorted, your family will be comfortable, and your Christmas journey will start and end on a calm note.
So while everyone else is rushing around in mid-December, you can sit back, sip your hot chocolate, and know that your car is ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Contact Details
West Midlands Roof Box Hire
Unit 154, Amington Industrial Estate, Sandy Way, Tamworth, B77 4ED
Phone: 07903 839112
Email: westmidlandsroofboxhire@gmail.com
Websites: westmidlandsroofboxhire.co.uk