Removing the white stuff can cost you big green stuff. However there are some simple frugal snow removal ideas to save both time and money during the next winter storm.
Boxes, Bags, & Junk Mail
Need a place or to keep your footing or collect shoes at the door? Drag out any boxes, bags, junk mail, or old newspapers and step on it. Keep the mess under control without spending a dime. You can also break down cardboard boxes to construct a path outside in icy conditions. You’re more likely to maintain your footing from the door to your car.
Alcohol in Lieu of Deicer
Don’t have a handing can/bottle of deicer at home? Use 70% rubbing alcohol instead. It will get the job done for a fraction of the cost. Fill a spray bottle (have an old hairspray bottle?), with 2 parts alcohol and 1 part warm water, and let it rip. If you don’t have alcohol, you could use 3 parts white vinegar, 1 part water and it should do the same trick.
Avoid the French Toast Trap
I’m not sure what it is about this time of the year that makes everyone crash the shelves for bread, milk, and eggs. I think it’s a conspiracy of the French to get you to concoct their delicious breakfast dish. The good news is that you probably don’t need to rush to the store to get all of the above. Take a good inventory of your cabinets, pantry, fridge, and freezer before heading to the store. More than likely you have all that you need to whip up 3-4 meals without buying a single ingredient. Make your list based upon what you already have or can add 1-2 items to so that you avoid impulse buys.
Salt vs. Sand?
It might be that sand is a better bet for your driveway rather than salt. Not only will you more than likely find it in greater supply right now (might have to head to back of the store) but it will still provide the traction that you need to get your car down the driveway.
Spray Your Shovel
If you are shoveling the drive, spray both sides of your shovel with cooking spray. It should keep the ice from forming and make your job easier, too.
Pop up Your Windshield Wipers and Use a Sheet
Especially in situations when you know it’s going to snow overnight, be sure to pop your wipers up like you would if you were changing the blades. This will keep them from freezing to your windshield. You can also place a sheet on the windshield and pull it off the car in the morning to cut down on the amount of time that you spend scraping.
Don’t Be a Shovel Hero
Unless you absolutely have to, don’t endeavor to shovel unless you’re in a decent physical condition. A trip to the cardiologist or the orthopedic surgeon is much more costly than paying the kid down the street to dig you out. I know it’s counterintuitive in some ways but especially if you can work from home, keep your bottom parked at the laptop while someone else does the heavy lifting.
What’s your best tip to keep things simple and costs under control when digging out from a winter storm?
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