One squirt some cooking oil on your shovel

Snow that sticks to your shovel makes an already difficult task much more so. This hack will let you avoid it: Lightly spray it with nonstick cooking oil to make snow slide easily off your shovel. (WD-40 is a hazardous spray lubricant that can be used instead.) No more wasting time clearing snow from your snowblower.
2 Prepare a Tarp Before the Snowfall

If you prefer shortcuts, this technique, dubbed “the laziest way imaginable” to clear snow by an “Instructables” guide, is right up your alley. Place a tarp on your walkway the day before a snowstorm is forecast. Pull out the tarp once the snow has stopped falling and you have an immediately cleared walkway. (A word of caution: If you’re concerned about pedestrians tripping on your tarp, include a sign or utilize this technique in your backyard walkway.)

A tarp, firewood, string, and some preparation work are required for this technique. Use firewood to weigh down your tarp before the storm, so it doesn’t fly away in the wind! — and tie the twine to the tarp as well as a shovel in your yard that is standing erect. The shovel will be used to remove the snow-covered tarp.

Although this approach is quicker than shoveling, it does necessitate the use of personnel. A cubic foot of snow, after all, might weigh anything from 7 to 20 pounds. So don’t go too ambitious with the size of your tarp; if it’s full of snow, you might not be able to draw it.

3 Make a De-icing Cocktail at Home

De-icers help remove snow by cutting through icy layers that a shovel can’t reach. However, a simple solution should be simple for your home as well. Many commercial de-icers have a high level of abrasion.

Commercial ice-melting compounds such as Magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium chloride (salt) pollute a place. In addition to sidewalks and driveways, they are necessitating costly repairs.

Make your de-icer with rubbing alcohol or vinegar for a superior solution. You’ll also save money. Melters sold in stores usually cost $8 or more. You’ll save time not having to go to the hardware store.

To make ice and snow removal easier before a storm, use vinegar:

• Combine three parts vinegar and 1 part water in a mixing bowl.
• Before a storm, spray or pour softly (you still want to avoid runoff onto your landscaping).

After a storm, keep the sidewalks and steps from icing:

• Combine two parts rubbing alcohol and 1 part water in a mixing bowl.
• To reduce runoff, use this method.