Snow removal is a big hassle during the winter months. It is often seen as a chore, but it definitely makes life a bit easier in many ways. If you live in a region where snowfall is common, you know exactly how much time and effort goes into clearing paths and sidewalks. Not only does the snow create slippery conditions, but it also makes roads impassable.

You might even consider hiring someone else to clear your driveway or sidewalk. The problem is that these services usually charge high prices. If you want to do snow removal right, then you should work smarter instead of working harder. To keep snow removal in check, this article will focus on a few handy tips that can make the process less daunting:

1 - Stake Your Driveway and Sidewalk Before Snowfall

This method works best for large snowstorms because it makes it easy to distinguish between areas where you've dug down very deeply versus spots where you haven't touched the ground. However, if you don't have a huge amount of snow on the ground, you might still find it useful to mark your driveway and sidewalk with sticks. You might even consider doing both methods. For example, if you plan on shoveling your driveway and sidewalk, you could put up stakes along the edges of your driveway and sidewalk and then use the stakes as a guide while pushing the snow aside.

2 - Use Cooking Spray

Many homeowners don't think about how to keep the snow off their shovels. Like most people, you probably use a simple shovel to push the snow away from your driveway. However, there's another option: use cooking spray. The cooking spray creates a slick surface between the snow and your tool, making it much easier for you to dig up the snow. Plus, since it doesn't melt into the ground, you won't need to worry about cleaning it up later.

3 - Consider Using Salt For Removing Snow

Salt is one of the best tools for keeping sidewalks safe during winter. When the snow starts falling, people often assume salting isn't necessary because the snow will melt and clear the way. But that doesn't happen. Snowpack becomes compacted and forms into small pockets of ice that are difficult to see. Salting helps prevent these pockets from forming. If you don't add salt, you'll spend more money later trying to scrape off ice patches.

4 - Lay Plastic Sheets or Tarps in Key Areas

Before the snow starts falling, lay down plastic sheets or tarps so that they're ready for when the snow falls. This way, you'll know exactly where to put the tarp once you start shoveling. If you want to ensure you don't miss anything, lay the tarp over the whole area—including the sidewalk leading from your home to your vehicle, the driveway next to your car, and the stairs leading from your patio to your deck. 

5 - Keep Your Grass Short

If you are removing snow from your lawn, the grass is generally the worst offender. The problem is that grassroots tend to grow deep into the soil. So when you try to remove the snow by hand, you end up pulling up all of the grass at the same time. Instead, cut back your grass late in the season before the snow starts falling. That way, you won't have to worry about damaging your lawn.

6 - For Light Snow, Use a Blower

If you've got a lot of heavy snow left over from winter storms, don't let it sit around waiting for springtime. Instead, use your backpack blower to clear it up now. You'll save yourself some hassle come April. You can also use your backpack blower on sidewalks, driveways, and steps. Place the hose inside the bag and pull out the trigger. If you want to ensure you avoid damaging anything, hold down the trigger while pulling the handle toward you. This allows air to flow freely without forcing the nozzle against the surface.

7 - Try to Avoid the Snow Building Up

Snow is inevitable during the winter months. But you don't want to let it build up too much because it makes it harder to shovel and removes some of the protection against freezing temperatures. If you notice ice forming on the sidewalk or steps, scrape off the surface with a push broom or scraper.

If you find yourself stuck with a large pile of snow, try to avoid piling it up into one big mound. This creates a heavy snowpack to cause snow to slide off the sides of the mound. Instead, spread out the snow over several smaller piles. This allows the snow to dry out faster and reduces the chance of melting.