Shoveling snow is nobody’s favorite winter chore. While you can’t control how much snow falls, you can definitely control how long it takes to clear. With the right tricks, tools, and techniques, you can cut your snow removal time in half.
Here are 10 hacks every homeowner should know for faster snow removal.
1. Shovel Early and Often
Don’t wait until a foot of snow piles up. Clearing smaller amounts several times during a storm is far quicker and easier than tackling it all at once. Think of it as damage control—each quick pass saves you from heavy lifting later.
2. Use a Push Shovel Instead of a Lift Shovel
Switch to a wide, ergonomic push shovel. Pushing snow in rows is far faster than scooping and lifting. Reserve lifting only for tight corners or snowbanks.
3. Spray Your Shovel with Cooking Spray
Snow sticking to your shovel slows you down. Spraying the blade with cooking oil or WD-40 helps snow slide right off, saving you constant stops to shake it free.
4. Clear in Rows, Not Randomly
Work in organized rows from the center outward or side-to-side. This systematic approach means no wasted effort backtracking or double-shoveling areas.
5. Keep Piles in Smart Spots
Dump snow strategically. Place piles where melting runoff won’t refreeze on your driveway or walkway. Keeping piles compact and in the same place means less effort overall.
6. Salt Before It Snows
Pre-salting your driveway and walkways prevents snow from sticking in the first place. It makes shoveling or blowing far faster since snow doesn’t bond to the surface.
7. Upgrade to a Snow Blower
If you’ve got a larger driveway, a snow blower is a game-changer. Even a small single-stage blower cuts hours off your workload. For heavy storms, a two-stage blower is worth the investment.
8. Layer Up Right
Wearing bulky winter gear slows you down. Dress in light, layered clothing that keeps you warm but lets you move freely. The more comfortable you are, the faster you’ll finish.
9. Use a Tarp Trick for Walkways
Before the snow falls, lay a tarp over your walkway or a portion of your driveway. After the storm, simply pull it up to reveal a clear surface underneath—no shoveling needed.
10. Team Up for Speed
Snow removal is always faster with two people. One can push or blow snow while the other salts or clears corners. If you’ve got kids or neighbors around, make it a quick group effort.