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Watching snowfall may feel like a dream, but dealing with the piled-up disaster is a total nightmare. It is only pleasant until you get out and deal with your snow-covered outdoors.

Going out to work, shopping, or anything else can become a huge hassle when shoveling snow. Whoever is in charge of this chore goes through a traumatic ordeal while removing snow.

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Are there easier ways to deal with the piled-up mess that the snowfall creates? Of course, there is! Try out these top snow removal tips to make your winters easier.

1. Use the Right Snow Removal Equipments

Owning a snow shovel is a necessity. This classic equipment is helpful for many snow removal purposes. You can use it to shovel snow, break up ice, push snow out of the way, etc.

However, using one is not easy and takes a toll on your body. Having a snow shovel is a must, but you have to be careful if you are older or unfit. You can either use it when there is a lighter layer of snow or opt for more sophisticated equipment.

Snowblowers move the snow out of the way and pile it up on the sides, making clean-up easier. If you opt for using one of the best snow blowers, you wouldn’t need a shovel. Other useful tools include ice scrapers, snow pushers, and a garden cart.

2. Prepare for Snow Beforehand

Try preparing for it beforehand if you want to make snow removal easier. Weather reports always warn us about blizzards or heavy snowfall early on. Here are a few hacks to add to your home winterizing checklist. Consider laying out drop cloths or plastic sheets on the outdoor steps, walkways, and driveways when expecting heavy snowfall. 

Once it stops snowing, you can pull away the clothing, dragging the snow out of the way with it. This is one of the fastest ways to remove snow. However, it will be difficult to pull the cover if you let the snow pile up too high. So, make sure that you move it out of the way sooner.

One thing that makes snow removal difficult is the initial ice formation under it. If a blizzard is on the way, sprinkle salt or deicer chemicals on the paths you use. This is a great way to make snow shoveling easier.

3. Make Shoveling Easier

Shoveling snow is, without a doubt, one of the most physically demanding chores. There are ways you can make shoveling much more manageable.

One way to do so is using ergonomic shovels, which help keep your body upright to avoid straining your back. Some shovels have extendable or movable handles, making them easier to maneuver.

Be careful while using the shovel. Try to keep it closer to your body, so that you don’t extend your body in odd angles. This is a great way to avoid straining your limbs.

Don’t you hate it when the snow starts sticking to the shovel while you use it? A great way to prevent that is by applying a generous layer of cooking spray to the tool. Make sure you spray both the front and the back of the shovel so that the snow slips off easily.

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4. Mark Sidewalk and Driveway With Snow Stakes

How do you know the exact parts you have to clear up when the world around you is coated with a dense layer of snow? It can be challenging to decipher, and the last thing you need is to do extra work.

This is where snow stakes come in. These poles are great for identifying the lines and edges after a snowfall. They are often made of fiberglass, making them easy to carry and less hazardous during storms. Avoid using metal poles as they can cause accidents during strong winds.

Stake the poles by the edges to mark out walkways and driveways. You can also use them to identify critical outdoor objects or things that can cause accidents. Once it’s time to pull out the snowblower, you can easily clear out the paths you need.

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5. Deal With Roof Ice Dams Safely

Who doesn’t love the crystalline beauty of icicles on the edge of the roof or along the tree branches?

As aesthetic as it might be, they can also be deadly. Sharp shards of ice are as dangerous as knives, so you must clear them out efficiently.

Ice dams tend to form on roofs, so you have to practice caution when dealing with them. They also tend to damage your gutter, walls, ceiling, and many other exteriors.

One way to deal with them is by using an ice rake to break off the ice. Do so from a safe distance so that none of the icicles come down. Avoid using salt on your roof, as it can cause more harm than good. You can also use heated cables to clean off the ice.

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6. Don’t Let the Snow Build Up

If you want to make snow removal more manageable, don’t let it build up. Don’t think of clearing up the snow “when you have to.” People often get lazy, especially during the holidays.

Remember that a thin layer of snow is much easier to clear out. The thicker the layer, the more time and effort to remove it.

Did you know that clearing heavy layers of snow can be life-threatening? Being out in the cold while doing heavy physical chores can make you prone to heart attacks. So, try to get to the difficult part before it becomes more troublesome.

Even if you have to remove it three or four times, dealing with this chore would still take time and effort.

7. Stay Safe While Removing Snow

Have you ever wondered why so many people pass away while removing snow? Death or injury often occurs when you don’t practice caution while dealing with this chore.

The first thing to do is to wear the proper clothing. You must dress warmly to avoid the freezing temperatures. Layer up with body warmers and put on outerwear to help you stand the cold. You should also wear sturdy, slip-proof boots to ensure that you don’t fall.

You should increase your heart rate and body temperature by taking an outdoor walk in the cold. Warm-up before shoveling. Stretch your body as you would before exercising.

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Conclusion

Snow removal can be challenging, especially when you let it pile up. The chore becomes more difficult when you are older or have a health condition. Remember that the longer you wait, the more snow you will have to remove.

Get the right equipment and tools to make the job hassle-free. Preparing early on can make shoveling much more manageable. Dress appropriately so that your body can handle the cold exposure, and always warm up before shoveling. We hope that these top snow removal tips will make your winters easier.

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