How to Pack a Roof Box Efficiently (Without Breaking Stuff or Wasting Space)

A roof box is a brilliant way to add storage space to your car — but if it’s packed wrong, you’ll waste space, risk damage, or unbalance your load.

Here’s how to pack your roof box the right way for safety, convenience, and maximum use of space.

🎯 1. Pack the Right Stuff in the Roof Box

Not everything belongs up top. Keep the following in the roof box:

✅ Soft bags & squishable items
✅ Sleeping bags, coats, tents
✅ Foldable chairs, boots, or cool bags
✅ Light cases or duffel bags

Avoid putting:
🚫 Heavy tools or hard suitcases
🚫 Fragile items (glass, electronics)
🚫 Essentials you’ll need during the drive

🔗 Read: Roof Box Size Guide – What Capacity Do You Actually Need?

📐 2. Distribute Weight Evenly

Think of your roof box like a suitcase on top of a car:

• Put heavier items in the centre (over the bars)

• Keep the sides lighter to avoid sway

• Pack the front and back evenly

• Strap everything down so it doesn’t shift while driving

🔧 Tip: Many roof boxes come with straps — use them to tie gear in place.

🧳 3. Use Packing Cubes or Soft Bags

Rather than throwing loose gear in:

• Use soft travel cubes or compression bags

• Keep related items together (e.g. kids’ stuff, cooking gear)

• Stack flatter bags on the bottom, bulkier shapes on top

✅ Maximises space
✅ Easier to unpack
✅ Prevents movement while driving

🧼 4. Protect Breakables

If you do need to carry breakable items:

• Wrap them in clothes or sleeping bags

• Pack them in the centre (not touching the sides or lid)

• Avoid anything fragile if possible — it's not what roof boxes are designed for

🔐 5. Close & Lock It Properly

Before you hit the road:

• Press down gently on the lid to close it cleanly

• Make sure the latches “click” fully shut

• Turn the key and check it can’t reopen

✅ Don’t force it closed — repack if needed.

🔗 Read: How to Fit a Roof Box Safely

🚙 6. Final Pre-Drive Checks

Before every trip:

• Tug test the box and bars

• Check the key is removed (many won’t let you remove it unless locked)

• Do a 5-minute drive and listen for movement or wind noise

🔗 Read: How to Reduce Wind Noise from Roof Bars

📚 Related Posts:

• Best Roof Bar Accessories for Holiday Travel

• Can You Fit a Bike Rack and Roof Box Together?

• What Roof Bar Mount Do I Have?

🔗 Useful Links:

• Shop Roof Boxes

• Roof Bar Accessories

• Vehicle Compatibility Tool