The snow really piled up this time; did you stay on top of it, or did you totally dread it?

While winter storms are tough to deal with for many reasons, the after effects of cleaning it all up are dreadful for many as well. There are ways to make your life easier when you’re cleaning up.

The first thing that you should do: Be ready to do it. Stretching before some potentially heavy lifting is always a safe bet.

Perhaps you’re not in the best of shape. The last thing you need is an injury that will prevent you from shoveling or getting you where need to go.

You don’t want to go out there and freeze your tail off either. Most people have a good winter coat for the occasion. Also, cover up your face, invest in a good pair of snow pants and waterproof boots. The last thing you want is snow being blown in your face, or your legs and feet becoming frozen from the snow that always manages to find its way in. 

You’ll want to have a good plan of attack for snow. The first thing in your plan should be to start before the storm is over. Some of these winter storms produce snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour or more.

Let’s say it’s snowing an inch per hour, for example. If you go out every two hours, you’ll be shoveling 2 inches of snow every time you go out. Better to go out more frequently and lift less than deal with feet of snow at the end. 

Plan on what you should tackle first. If there are walkways you need access to most, start with those. If it’s your driveway you need to shovel, start with the snow directly around your car first, and worry about the rest later.

You’ll especially want to wait until the end to shovel the bottom of the driveway. We’ve all done it: you completely clear the driveway, only for a snowplow to drive by and bury your accomplishment. Focus first on the space you need to get your car out of the driveway.

Also plan on where you’ll put all of the snow. Make an effort to spread out where you put the shoveled snow, as to avoid making big snow piles along walkways and driveways. These piles will often come crumbling down, meaning you’ll have to shovel the same spots more than once.

That is, unless you want big snow piles for your kids to play in, of course… just make sure it’s away from the driveway! 

When you get out there to do all this work, the proper technique will save your body from greater stress from a typically strenuous activity. Bend your knees and lift with your legs. This will prevent greater strain on your back.

When you pick up the snow, keep the shovel blade close to you. Holding the shovel further away as you lift creates more stress on your back as well. 

Switch which hands you use to lift too. It’s better to give each side of your body a rest rather than using up all your energy on one side. Using an alternating palm-over-palm under gripping pattern is also efficient in preserving your strength.

Don’t dig to the bottom of the snow either. Do a couple of inches on top, and do the rest of it in similar layers. 

The most important thing is listen to your body and don’t push yourself harder than you can take. Back issues are possible, but those with cardiovascular issues could see more serious repercussions. Give yourself a rest.

Go inside, and treat yourself to a hot cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or whatever your beverage of choice is. As long as you have a plan, you can always go back and finish shoveling later!