As a Canadian, it’s hard to hate snow entirely. There’s just something special about snow around the holidays and watching kids make snowmen and snow angels at the park. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make removing snow from your sidewalks and driveways any more fun. Snow can be heavy. It seems to be falling relentlessly this winter, and you don’t need chronic back pain to take a look at a half-a-metre dump of snow and grumble. So here are some tips to make snow removal less of a pain.

Recruit Help.

One of the best ways to speed up shoveling and ensure nobody goes back inside with a sore back is to have the whole family help. Snow removal is one of those chores that often falls under “Dad’s domain,” but maybe it’s time for that to change. Calgary parents are busy people, and dividing chores can be a logical game plan. However, most chores — whether it’s preparing dinner or removing snow, are better with help and company. Instead of going out to shovel by your lonesome, grab an extra shovel and ask your teen or spouse to join you outside. In exchange, help them with one of their chores. And if you’re rocking the single-life, call a friend over and pay them in pizza and beer.

Shovel Twice.

We know this isn’t going to be a popular suggestion, but you may find shoveling easier if you do it twice as often. Instead of waiting for the snow storm to end, head out and shovel while it’s still coming down. You’ll have half the load to remove, so you’re less likely to injure yourself. Unfortunately, you will need to go out again in a couple hours when the storm’s done and remove the other half of the snow.

Call the Professionals.

The snow isn’t going to wait for you to get back from your spring break vacation, so it’s important to have a team of snow removing experts lined up to take care of your civic duties. In Calgary, home dwellers (that’s both owners and tenants!) are expected to clear away the snow and salt the sidewalks in front of their home within 24 hours. This helps to protect children and seniors who may otherwise fall on the ice. Whether you’re out of town, tired of shoveling by yourself, or just too busy to shovel reliably, you’ll still need that snow to be removed. Instead of stressing out about it, just call in the snow removal professionals at Five Star.

Here at Five Star, we’ve created a team of snow-loving Canadians who fear no cold. Why not let them deal with the snow while you’re at work or on vacation? We promise you’ll love coming home after a long commute to a freshly shovelled driveway and sidewalk. Call us today.