No Snowblower? This is the Best Way to Shovel Your Driveway

Grab your shovel, lace up your boots and put on those gloves. This is the best way to shovel snow off your driveway this winter.

cookingspray_243809152 how to shovel snow removal shovelAnna_Kuzmina/Shutterstock

Clearing your snow-filled driveway is a hassle, even more so when you don’t have a snowblower. However, with a few tricks you can get the driveway shoveled quickly and safely, meaning you’ll be back inside, relaxing in a matter of minutes.

So grab your shovel, lace up your boots and put on those gloves. This is the best way to shovel your driveway this winter.

Safety First

Consider stretching before you step outside, as shoveling uses muscles that aren’t often used and stretching can help prevent injury. Make sure you dress in layers to stay warm and be sure to take a break if you need one. Finally, remember to bend with your knees and lift with your legs to reduce back strain.

Coat your snow shovel with car wax to make for easier shoveling.

Have a Plan

Before you start shoveling snow, have a plan. Think about where you’ll create snow piles and what areas should be left open. This will help you avoid creating a big pile of snow you may eventually have to move.

Try these 10 great snow and ice removal hacks this winter.

Shovel as it Snows

One of the easiest ways to keep up on shoveling is to shovel as the snow falls. If you’re expecting 10 inches of snow, head out to shovel after it snows 2 to 3 inches. This way you’re not shoveling 10 inches of snow all at once.

Work in Stages

Make a path down the middle of the driveway. Then, starting on one side, push the snow from the center to the outside. It’s easier to push snow from half of the driveway than it is from the full width.

Keep a Clear Path

If possible, stay off the snow before you start shoveling. The more you walk on the snow and pack it down, the harder it will be to shovel.

These 13 incredible human-powered snow removal tools will make life easier this winter.

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Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.