Winter mornings can be tough, especially when you’re rushing to work and find your driveway buried under a blanket of snow. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with these 7 time-saving hacks that’ll have you clearing snow like a pro, even on the busiest mornings.
Pre-Storm Preparation
Ever heard the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? It applies to snow clearing too. After all, you can be sued if someone slips and falls on ice or snow on your property if it was due to your negligence.
Before the storm hits, apply a thin layer of de-icing product to your driveway and walkways. This can help create a barrier that prevents snow from bonding to the surface, making it easier to remove later.
For high-traffic areas, consider laying down tarps or snow melt mats. When the snow stops, simply pull these away to reveal a clear path. It’s like magic, but it’s just good planning.
Strategic Shoveling Technique
When it comes to shoveling, work smarter, not harder. Push the snow instead of lifting it whenever possible. This saves your back and energy. Start by clearing a narrow path from your door to the street, then widen it on your return trip. This method is faster and more efficient than trying to clear the entire width in one go.
Invest in a Quality Snow Pusher
Forget the traditional shovel – a snow pusher is your new best friend. These wide, lightweight tools are designed to push large amounts of snow quickly. They’re especially effective for light to moderate snowfall. When choosing a pusher, consider the width of your paths and storage space. A 24-inch pusher works well for most residential needs.
Use a Leaf Blower for Light Snow
Here’s a hack that might surprise you: your leaf blower isn’t just for fall cleanup. For light, powdery snow up to an inch deep, a leaf blower can be incredibly effective. Start at the top of your driveway and work your way down, blowing the snow to the sides. This method is fast and requires minimal physical effort.
Create a Snow Removal Plan
A little strategy goes a long way. Map out your property and decide which areas need to be cleared first. Usually, this includes the path from your door to your vehicle and the driveway. Create a routine you can follow each snowfall. With practice, you’ll become more efficient, cutting down your clearing time significantly.
Heated Driveway Mats for Critical Areas
For areas that always need to be clear, like your car park spot or the path to your front door, consider investing in heated driveway mats. These electric mats prevent snow accumulation and ice formation. While they’re a bit of an investment upfront, they can save you countless hours of shoveling over the years.
Two-Stage Attack: Shovel then Salt
Many people make the mistake of salting before shoveling. This just wastes salt and makes the snow heavy and slushy. Instead, clear as much snow as possible first, then apply salt or your de-icer. This method uses less product and is more effective at preventing ice formation.
Remember, once the weather clears and everything is dry, it’s important to remove salt and other de-icing products to prevent damage to your driveway and sidewalk.
Putting It All Together
Let’s see how these hacks work in a real-world scenario. It’s 6 AM, and you’ve got to leave for work in an hour. There’s 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground. Here’s your game plan:
- Grab your snow pusher and clear a path from your door to your car, then your car park spot.
- Use the pusher to quickly clear the main strip of your driveway.
- While you’re clearing, your heated mat is already working on your front walkway.
- For any icy patches, apply your homemade de-icer.
- Use your leaf blower to clear any light snow from your car and remaining walkways.
- Finally, apply a small amount of salt to high-traffic areas to prevent refreezing.
With these tips, you’ve cleared your property in record time, and you’re ready to face the day.
Remember, the key to efficient snow clearing is preparation and the right tools. By implementing these time-saving techniques, you’ll spend less time shivering in the cold and more time enjoying your winter mornings and playing in the snow with the kids.