While glistening white snow may look beautiful, it can be hard to enjoy the view when you know you’ll have to spend hours outside shoveling it off your driveway. Depending on the size of your property and the amount of snow that has fallen, clearing away a fresh layer of powder can be a massive undertaking. If you’re looking for ways to make the process easier, check out these tips for shoveling large amounts of snow.
Don’t Delay
You may want to put off shoveling your snow until the last minute when it’s absolutely necessary. However, doing so will only make the process more difficult. If you walk or drive over the snow or it melts slightly and becomes icy, the removal process will require a lot more elbow grease. To make things easier on yourself, try to shovel the unpacked snow right after it falls.
Perfect Your Technique
Adhering to proper shoveling form can make the difference between feeling a little sore after a substantial snowfall and severely injuring your back. When shoveling, make sure to bend at your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back. To further reduce back strain, keep the blade of the shovel close to you when lifting the snow. Consider switching between shoveling in your right and left hands throughout the process and periodically changing your grip to avoid overworking certain muscles.
Don’t Rush the Process
When shoveling snow out in the cold, you probably want to get back inside as quickly as possible. However, try to avoid rushing the process. If you get tired, make sure to take a couple of breaks. Continuously shoveling snow for a significant period substantially increases your risk of injury—especially if you don’t exercise regularly.
Also, you shouldn’t always try to fit as much snow as possible onto your shovel at one time. Scooping up such a heavy load can place a lot of strain on your back and other muscles. If a significant amount of snow has fallen, just scoop up the top six inches or so of snow and then take a second pass to get the rest.
Consider Investing in Equipment
Shoveling snow from a large driveway is back-breaking work. If you’re looking for a way to speed up the process and reduce the physical strain involved, consider investing in some equipment. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from a wide range of different types of equipment designed to shovel snow:
- Electric Shovel: If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, a simple electric shovel that tosses snow out of your path as you push it along a paved surface can make the process a lot easier without breaking the bank.
- Snowblower: For a bit more power, a snowblower that moves snow out of the way using an auger will significantly reduce the amount of physical exertion necessary in the snow removal process.
- Mini Skid Steer and Attachments: If you have an extensive driveway or another sizable area that needs shoveling, you may even consider investing in a mini-skid steer with an attachment, such as a bucket or snowblower, for more significant snow-removal needs.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
