The first snowstorm always seems to arrive before you are ready. Stores sell out of shovels and ice melt fast once a storm is in the forecast. Use this checklist to stock up early and keep your home safe all winter.
1. A good snow shovel
A wide shovel moves more snow with each push, so you clear the driveway faster. The Amazon Basics 50-inch Snow Shovel is lightweight and easy to store. For packed snow and ice, a flat shovel with an adjustable handle gives you more control.
2. Ice melt that is safer for concrete
Regular rock salt can damage concrete, pavers and plants over time. Choose an ice melt blend made to be gentler on surfaces, like the concrete-safe ice melt (20 lb bag) or the Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend 2-pack.
Tip: Spread ice melt before a storm starts. It stops ice from bonding to the pavement and makes shoveling much easier.
3. Ice chopper for thick ice
When ice builds up on steps and sidewalks, a heavy-duty chopper breaks it up quickly. Try the saw-tooth ice scraper and chopper or the wooden handle ice chopper.
4. Car snow brush and ice scraper
Keep a snow brush in every car. The 4-in-1 Snow Brush with Shovel extends to reach across SUV and truck windshields, and has a built-in ice scraper and squeegee.
Winter safety reminders
- Shovel in small loads and take breaks. Shoveling heavy snow is hard work.
- Clear snow early, before it gets packed down by foot traffic or cars.
- Keep ice melt near your front door so it is easy to reach.
Find all your snow and household essentials in our home cleaning and household collection. We ship across the USA in 3-5 business days.