Getting ready for your winter adventure
There’s something uniquely exciting about winter travel. Whether it’s a countryside break, a visit to family, or a festive cottage retreat, loading up the car with coats, gifts, and winter gear signals the start of a special journey. But it’s also when packing stress tends to strike. Everything feels bulkier, space runs out fast, and you start to wonder how it all fit in last year.
This is where West Midlands Roof Box Hire comes in. With a Thule 470L or 580L roof box, packing for a winter trip becomes a straightforward, organised process instead of a last-minute scramble. You can take everything you need while still keeping the car interior calm and comfortable.
Why winter packing is different
Winter travel comes with unique packing challenges. Thick jumpers, boots, coats, blankets, and gifts all take up more space than you expect. Even a short break can leave the boot overflowing. Add a family, and you’re quickly faced with a puzzle that never quite fits.
A roof box transforms the experience. By moving bulky or light-but-large items onto the roof, you instantly gain breathing room inside the car. That means fewer arguments, fewer repacking attempts, and a safer, more balanced vehicle.
What belongs in the roof box
A well-packed roof box isn’t just about extra space — it’s about convenience and safety. Here’s what you can confidently store in your Thule roof box for winter travel:
1. Coats and outerwear: Thick jackets and waterproofs are perfect for roof storage — they’re bulky but light.
2. Boots and shoes: Keep mud and snow away from the car interior by storing footwear in a waterproof bag up top.
3. Bedding and blankets: Ideal for self-catering cottages and holiday homes.
4. Gifts and wrapping: Securely pack presents and keep them hidden from sight.
5. Sports equipment: Sledges, walking poles, or even compact skis fit neatly inside the 580L XXL model.
What not to store: valuables, electronics, or anything fragile that could be affected by temperature changes. Keep those inside the car.
How to pack like a professional
Thule roof boxes are designed for simplicity, but a few smart steps make them even more effective:
- Distribute weight evenly – Place heavier items in the centre, lighter ones at the edges.
- Use soft layers – Wrap delicate items in towels or coats to prevent movement.
- Fill gaps – Use smaller items like hats or scarves to stop contents shifting.
- Secure the lid properly – Listen for the click on both sides of the dual-opening mechanism.
- Double-check locks – Always lock the box before setting off.
By packing carefully, you’ll keep your load balanced and your belongings safe, even on long journeys.
The benefits of better packing
A roof box does more than create space — it changes the whole travel experience. With everything neatly organised, you can:
- Load and unload quickly at stops.
- Keep the car clean and free of clutter.
- Enjoy more legroom for passengers.
- Improve safety by maintaining rear visibility.
- Arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your trip.
Customers often tell us that once they’ve travelled with a Thule box, they never go back to packing everything into the boot. It’s a simple improvement that completely changes the tone of a journey.
Why hire instead of buy
For most families, hiring makes far more sense than buying. Roof boxes can cost hundreds of pounds, and finding somewhere to store one year-round is a challenge.
When you hire from West Midlands Roof Box Hire, you get the best of both worlds — premium quality, without the cost or inconvenience. We fit and remove the box for you, check it thoroughly before every hire, and make sure it’s perfectly suited to your car.
Whether you’re heading away for a few days or a couple of weeks, our flexible hire options make it easy to get exactly what you need.
A customer’s story
The Haines family from Walsall recently hired a Thule 580L box for a December cottage holiday in the Cotswolds. They took four suitcases, bedding, Christmas gifts, and winter coats. Before hiring, they’d tried to fit everything into their SUV — unsuccessfully.
After collecting their fitted box from our Tamworth unit, they said:
“It made the biggest difference. We packed calmly, the car stayed tidy, and the kids had room in the back. We actually enjoyed the journey instead of dreading it.”
It’s feedback like that which sums up exactly what we aim to achieve — turning travel stress into travel comfort.
The Thule difference
Every Thule roof box we hire is engineered for reliability, aerodynamics, and safety. The 470L is perfect for smaller families, while the 580L XXL offers exceptional space for long trips or large loads. Both are stylish, easy to use, and fitted by our experienced team for peace of mind.
They’re also fully weatherproof, so you can travel confidently through rain, sleet, or snow, knowing your belongings are safe and dry.
Preparing for the road ahead
Before heading off on your winter trip, check a few essentials:
- Tyre pressures are set correctly.
- Screenwash is topped up with a winter formula.
- Lights and wipers are working properly.
- Roof box locks are secured and keys are accessible.
If you’re driving long distances — especially in snowy or rural areas — take a blanket, torch, and a small emergency kit. With everything packed safely, you’ll be ready for whatever the journey brings.
The key to stress-free packing
The secret to winter packing isn’t just having enough space — it’s having the right space. A Thule roof box gives you freedom, order, and control, turning an overwhelming task into something simple.
When you can close the boot without pushing, see clearly through the rear window, and stretch your legs on the way, it changes how you feel about travelling altogether.
This winter, whether you’re heading for family, snow, or somewhere peaceful, let West Midlands Roof Box Hire take the stress out of packing.
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