The snow is coming down hard. Your driveway has 8 inches already and it's still snowing. You need to get to work tomorrow morning. Your regular snow plow guy isn't answering. Now what?
You could spend an hour calling around, leaving voicemails that may or may not get returned. You could post in Facebook groups and wait hours for responses. Or you could post your job on Gig It Done and get quotes from multiple local snow removal providers within 30-60 minutes.
Here's everything you need to know about getting fast, affordable snow removal service.
The Problem with Traditional Snow Removal Services
When you need snow removal, timing is everything. But traditional methods leave you waiting:
⚠️ Why Traditional Snow Removal Fails During Storms
- Seasonal contracts are full: Best providers lock in customers before winter starts
- Per-visit services are booked: Everyone calls the same companies during storms
- Nobody answers during storms: Providers are too busy plowing to take calls
- Price gouging: Emergency rates can be 2-3x normal pricing
- No way to compare: You're stuck calling one place at a time
- Long wait times: You might be #47 on their list
How Gig It Done Solves Emergency Snow Removal
Instead of frantically calling providers one at a time, post your snow removal job once and let local providers come to you:
✓ Why Posting Your Job Works Better
- Reach multiple providers instantly: Your post goes to everyone offering snow removal in your area
- Get competitive quotes: Providers know they're competing, so prices stay fair
- Fast responses: During snow events, providers actively monitor for new jobs
- See ratings and reviews: Know who you're hiring before they arrive
- Direct communication: Message providers to confirm timing and pricing
- Backup options: If your first choice is booked, you have other responses ready
How to Post a Snow Removal Job (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Describe What You Need
Be specific about your snow removal needs:
- Driveway size: "Single car," "2-car," "long driveway," etc.
- Snow depth: "4 inches," "8+ inches," "still snowing"
- Service type: Plowing, shoveling, or both
- Urgency: "Need it done today," "before 7am tomorrow," "as soon as possible"
- Additional areas: Walkways, sidewalks, deck, patio
- Obstacles: Cars in driveway, decorations, where to pile snow
💡 Example Post: Emergency Plowing
"Need driveway plowed ASAP! About 8 inches of snow and still coming down. Standard 2-car driveway, no obstacles. Also need walkway to front door shoveled. Need to get out by 7am tomorrow. What can you do it for? Located in [Neighborhood]."
💡 Example Post: Seasonal Request
"Looking for reliable snow removal service for this winter. Long driveway (about 100 feet), needs plowing whenever we get 3+ inches. Also need walkway and sidewalk done. Prefer someone who can come early morning (before 7am). What are your seasonal rates? Located on [Street Name]."
Step 2: Receive Quotes from Local Providers
Within 30-60 minutes (even faster during active snow events), you'll start getting responses:
- Their price for the job
- When they can get to you
- What equipment they have
- Any questions about your specific situation
Step 3: Review Provider Profiles
Check out each provider's profile:
- Ratings and reviews: What others have said about their snow removal work
- Past snow removal jobs: Photos of driveways they've cleared
- Equipment: Plow truck, ATV, snowblower, or shovel
- Response history: How reliable they are
Step 4: Compare and Choose
You'll have multiple options to compare:
- Price: Who offers the best value
- Timing: Who can get there soonest
- Equipment: Right tools for your job
- Reviews: Track record of good work
Step 5: Message and Confirm
Use direct messaging to finalize details:
- Confirm exact pricing
- Clarify timing ("I'll be there by 6am")
- Discuss where to pile snow
- Arrange payment method
Step 6: Get Your Snow Cleared
The provider arrives, clears your snow, and you pay them directly. Leave a review to help others.
Snow Removal Pricing: What to Expect
Snow removal costs vary by snow depth, driveway size, equipment used, and timing. Here's a comprehensive guide:
💵 Snow Removal Cost Guide
Driveway Plowing (Per Visit)
Shoveling Services (Per Visit)
Seasonal Contracts
Additional Services
Plowing vs. Shoveling: Which Do You Need?
❄️ Snow Plowing
Best for:
- Large driveways
- Heavy snow (4+ inches)
- Fast clearing needed
- Wide open spaces
Pros:
- Very fast (5-15 minutes)
- Handles deep snow easily
- Good value for large areas
Cons:
- Can't get close to edges
- May leave some snow behind
- Can damage decorations or landscaping
- Creates large snow piles
Cost: $45-90 per visit
🌨️ Snow Shoveling
Best for:
- Small driveways
- Light to moderate snow
- Walkways and stairs
- Areas with obstacles
Pros:
- Clean, precise work
- Good for delicate areas
- Can include salting
- Safe for all surfaces
Cons:
- Slower (30-90 minutes)
- Harder with heavy snow
- More expensive for large areas
Cost: $25-60 per visit
Best of both: Many providers offer combination service—plow the main driveway, then shovel walkways, stairs, and edges. This gives you speed where you need it and precision where it matters.
When to Request Snow Removal
⏰ Optimal Timing for Snow Removal
- Light snow (1-3 inches): Can wait until it stops snowing, but request service same day
- Moderate snow (4-6 inches): Post your job once it reaches 4 inches or stops snowing
- Heavy snow (7+ inches): Consider mid-storm plowing, then again after it stops
- Overnight storms: Post your job by 9-10pm for early morning service (before 7am)
- Forecasted storms: Post 24 hours ahead to lock in service before the rush
Seasonal Contracts vs. Per-Visit: Which Is Better?
Per-Visit (Pay as You Go)
How it works: You post a job each time it snows, and pay for each visit.
Best for:
- Areas with light, infrequent snow
- People who can shovel themselves sometimes
- Budget-conscious homeowners
- Your first winter in a new area
Typical cost: $45-75 per visit, 5-12 visits per winter = $225-900/season
Seasonal Contracts
How it works: You pay a flat fee upfront, and the provider clears your driveway all winter based on agreed triggers (e.g., every 3+ inches).
Best for:
- Areas with heavy, frequent snow
- People who travel and need automatic service
- Those who value convenience and predictability
- Elderly or disabled homeowners
Typical cost: $450-800/season for per-visit contracts, $700-1,200 for unlimited visits
💡 Do the Math
If your area typically gets 8-10 plowable snowfalls per winter, and per-visit service costs $55, that's $440-550 per season. A seasonal contract for $500 might save money while guaranteeing service.
But if you only get 4-6 snowfalls and you're willing to shovel small ones yourself, per-visit might cost you only $220-330.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- "What equipment do you use?" - Plow truck, ATV with plow, snowblower, or shovel
- "When can you get here?" - Specific timing is crucial during storms
- "Where will you pile the snow?" - Make sure they won't block areas you need
- "Is salting included?" - Or is it extra? How much?
- "What if it's still snowing?" - Will they come back for free or charge again?
- "What's your trigger depth?" - At what snow depth will they come (for seasonal contracts)
- "Do you have insurance?" - Important if they might damage property
- "How do you handle payment?" - Cash, Venmo, invoice, etc.
Red Flags When Hiring Snow Removal
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Demanding full seasonal payment upfront: Deposit is reasonable, but not full payment
- No insurance: If they damage your property or get hurt, you could be liable
- Vague about timing: "I'll get there when I can" isn't good enough
- Unrealistic promises: "I'll be there at 6am sharp every time" during big storms is unlikely
- No clear pricing: Should know their rates and be upfront about them
- Poor communication: If they're slow to respond now, imagine during a storm
- No local references: Snow removal is very local—they should have neighborhood experience
Emergency Snow Removal: When You Need It NOW
🚨 Emergency Situations
Some snow situations require immediate response:
- Medical emergency access: Need clear path for ambulance
- Work deadline: Must get out by specific time
- Heavy wet snow: Risk of roof collapse or tree damage
- Ice dam formation: Roof snow removal needed urgently
For emergencies: Clearly mark your post as "URGENT" or "EMERGENCY" and explain why. Many providers will prioritize true emergencies, though you should expect to pay emergency rates (1.5-2x normal pricing).
Preparing Your Property for Snow Removal
Make the job easier (and potentially cheaper) by preparing ahead:
✓ Pre-Snow Checklist
- Mark driveway edges: Stakes or markers help providers avoid lawn damage
- Remove obstacles: Trash cans, bikes, decorations, hoses
- Move cars: If possible, park on street during snow events
- Clear walkway obstructions: Doormats, planters, etc.
- Note fragile areas: Tell provider about sprinkler heads, decorative stones, etc.
- Designate snow pile area: Show them where you want snow pushed
- Outdoor lighting: Ensure they can see clearly if coming early morning
What to Do If You Can't Get Service
During major storms, every provider might be booked. Here's your backup plan:
- Post immediately: Don't wait until after the storm—post while it's snowing
- Offer flexible timing: "Anytime today" gets more responses than "before 7am"
- Increase your budget: During high demand, higher pay gets priority
- Reduce scope: Just walkway and enough driveway to get one car out
- Ask neighbors: Maybe their provider has capacity
- DIY essentials: Keep a good shovel, ice melt, and warm clothes as backup
- Call in favors: Family, friends with trucks, able-bodied teenagers
DIY Snow Removal: When to Do It Yourself
Sometimes shoveling yourself makes sense:
Good Situations for DIY
- Light snow (1-3 inches)
- Small driveway and walkway
- No time pressure
- You're healthy and capable
- Snow is light and fluffy
When to Hire Instead
- Heavy snow (6+ inches)
- Large driveway
- Need to leave early morning
- Health concerns (heart problems, back issues)
- Wet, heavy snow
- Very cold temperatures
⚠️ Safety First
Snow shoveling causes thousands of heart attacks every year. If you're over 45, have any heart issues, or aren't regularly active, hiring someone is safer than risking your health. A $50 snow removal service is much cheaper than an ER visit.
Need Snow Removal Fast?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does snow removal cost?
Basic driveway snow plowing costs $35-75 per visit depending on driveway size and snow depth. Shoveling services cost $25-60 per visit. Seasonal contracts range from $300-800 depending on your property size and snow frequency in your area. Emergency service during heavy storms may cost 50-100% more.
How quickly can I get snow removal service?
By posting your job on Gig It Done, you typically receive responses within 30-60 minutes during active snow events. Many local providers monitor for new requests during storms and can often arrive within 1-3 hours, depending on how many jobs they already have scheduled.
Should I hire a plow service or shovel service?
Plowing is faster and more cost-effective for large driveways and heavy snow (4+ inches). Shoveling is better for small areas, light snow, walkways, stairs, or when you need precise work near delicate surfaces. Many providers offer combination service—plow the main driveway, shovel the details.
When should I request snow removal?
For light snow (1-3 inches), wait until it stops snowing. For moderate snow (4-6 inches), post your job once it reaches 4 inches. For heavy snow (7+ inches), consider requesting service during the storm and again after. For overnight storms, post by 9-10pm if you need early morning service.
Is a seasonal snow removal contract worth it?
It depends on your local snowfall. If you typically get 8+ plowable snowfalls per winter, seasonal contracts ($450-800) offer good value and guaranteed service. If you only get 4-6 snowfalls and can shovel some yourself, per-visit service might be more economical. Do the math based on typical snowfall and per-visit rates in your area.
What should I ask a snow removal provider before hiring?
Ask about: their equipment (plow truck, snowblower, shovel), when they can arrive, where they'll pile snow, whether salting is included, their trigger depth for service, if they have insurance, and how payment works. Clear communication upfront prevents problems later.
What if my regular snow plow person doesn't show up?
This is common during major storms when providers get overwhelmed. Post your job on Gig It Done immediately to find backup service. Be flexible with timing and willing to pay a bit more for urgent service. Having a backup contact or two lined up before winter starts is also smart.
Should I shovel my own driveway or hire someone?
Consider your health, age, and the snow conditions. If you're over 45, have heart issues, or the snow is heavy and deep, hiring someone is safer. Snow shoveling causes thousands of heart attacks annually. A $50 service is cheaper than an ER visit. For light snow and good health, DIY is fine.
How do I prepare my driveway for snow removal?
Mark driveway edges with stakes, remove obstacles (trash cans, decorations, hoses), move cars if possible, clear walkway obstructions, tell the provider about sprinkler heads or fragile landscaping, designate where you want snow piled, and ensure outdoor lighting works for early morning service.
The Bottom Line: Don't Wait Until You're Stuck
Snow removal is one of those services where timing is everything. Wait too long, and you're either stuck at home or paying emergency rates because every provider is booked solid.
✓ Smart Snow Removal Strategy
- Post your job as soon as snow reaches 3-4 inches (don't wait)
- Get quotes from multiple providers to compare
- Check ratings and reviews before choosing
- Communicate clearly about timing and expectations
- Have backup contacts for major storms
- Consider seasonal contracts if your area gets frequent snow
The beauty of platforms like Gig It Done is that you're not stuck calling one provider at a time, hoping someone answers. Post once, and multiple local snow removal providers see your job and can respond with quotes. You get faster service, competitive pricing, and actual options.
Next time it snows, don't stress about clearing your driveway. Post your job, get quotes, and let someone else handle the heavy lifting while you stay warm inside.