Should I Move My Vehicles Before My Snow Removal Contractor Shows Up?
By Chris Gray, Glaciers Edge Maintenance
Yes, if you can. Moving your vehicles before we arrive lets us clear more of your driveway and leaves you with less snow to deal with afterward.
But we know it isn’t always that simple. You might be getting ready for work, your garage might be full, or you might be away when we come through. A parked car doesn’t mean we can’t do any work. It does limit where we can reach.
Here’s what helps us do a better job at your home—and how our GPS tracking takes some of the guesswork out of when to move your cars.
A Parked Car Leaves More Than a Car-Sized Patch
Picture two vehicles parked side by side after an overnight snowfall. We may be able to clear the driveway behind them, but the snow underneath, between, and immediately around them will still be there when you pull out.
We keep about two feet away from parked vehicles, as explained in our snow removal FAQs. That clearance gives our operator room to work around your car. It also means the area left uncleared is larger than the space the vehicle occupies.
If you want those parking spots cleared during our visit, moving the vehicles beforehand makes the difference. Even moving one car can open up a useful section of driveway, provided there’s enough room for our equipment to reach it.
Our Tractors Use Snowblowers Instead of Plows
At Glaciers Edge Maintenance, we use tractor-mounted snowblowers to clear residential driveways. Instead of pushing the snow ahead of a plow blade into a pile, we blow it into suitable areas beside the driveway.
That gives us more control over where the snow goes. It also helps manage the piles that can take up valuable parking and turning space as an Anchorage winter wears on.
Still, the blower needs room. We can’t reach beneath a vehicle, and we need a clear path to get into position and direct the snow appropriately. An open driveway lets the operator work through the accessible service area without navigating around cars and trucks.
You Can See Us Coming With GPS Tracking
The practical question is usually, “When should I move my car?” Nobody wants to spend the morning watching out the window for a tractor.
GEM is the only snow removal company in Anchorage offering customer-accessible GPS tracking of our equipment. Our clients can see where our operators are and check an estimated time of arrival.
For a homeowner, that means you can check our progress and plan when to move your vehicles. If you have room in the garage, for example, you can have the driveway open before your operator arrives.
Give yourself a little extra time. Arrival estimates can change with snow conditions and the work needed at earlier stops. The tracker helps you plan, but it isn’t a guarantee that we’ll arrive at an exact minute.
What If You Can’t Move Your Vehicle?
Leave as much open driveway as possible. Our usual recommendation is to park near the top and to one side, so the operator has a larger, connected area to clear. Avoid leaving a vehicle in the middle if you have another option.
We’ll work around parked vehicles where we can, but the areas they block will remain snow-covered. Keep that in mind if you’re leaving a second vehicle or a truck parked for an extended period.
If you move a car to another parking spot, keep sidewalks, neighboring driveways, and our access route clear. If our tractor is already working, wait for the operator to stop and acknowledge you before moving a vehicle nearby.
Before We Get There
Along with moving your vehicles, take a moment to put trash cans, extension cords, sleds, and other loose items out of the way. Keep children and pets inside while the equipment is working.
You don’t need to make driveway preparation complicated. Check the tracker, give us room where you can, and let the operator finish before pulling back in.
Looking for snow removal at your Anchorage home? Check our service area map to see whether you’re on our routes, and visit gemalaska.com to request service.