How to make money from heavy snow

George Brown 14th Dec 2018 One Comment

Reading Time: 5 minutes

If you want to make money from bad weather, there are a huge number of ways to do so. Snow is the biggest money maker when it comes to earning extra income from atmospheric conditions, as it’s the hardest to manage when it comes down heavily.

If predictions are to be believed, and the UK is set for another intense period of cold and snowfall at some point this winter, this may be the most important article you read this year.

Clear snow
Run errands for neighbours
Sell winter goods
Rent out winter gear
Sell your storm photos
Offer to babysit
Offer to dog/cat sit
Use your snow days more effectively
Offer transportation
Clear your clutter

Clear Snow

While shoveling pavements, driveways and digging out cars is physically taxing, it can also be lucrative.

Most people have no desire to spend hours shoveling their home out after a storm. Others, especially the elderly, may not be able to physically perform the task at all.

Consider offering a special deal (or free shoveling services) to low-income seniors or others who may be unable to clear their own snow. It’s a great way to get some buzz while doing a good deed.

Here is a video on Youtube which highlights the correct technique to use when shoveling snow – which is important to know, even if you’re simply clearing your own drive.

To go the extra mile — and maybe earn a tip or two — sprinkle ice melt on sidewalks and driveways. If you want to seem extra professional, leave a card with your contact details for next time.

Run errands for neighbours

Just because most transportation has ground to a halt doesn’t mean people don’t still need to run errands. From medicine deliveries to stocking up on extra groceries, people still need essentials during heavy snowfall.

If the roads are in decent shape, you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and good winter driving skills, consider running errands for neighbours and other people you know who may not be able to get out and about.

Winter driving is a lot more difficult that you might think, so make sure to check out or dedicated article on travelling in the winter by following the link below.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles! – Critical Winter Travel Advice

You could either market yourself on your own or take advantage of a service like Task Rabbit that will match you up with people who need help running errands.

Sell Shovels, Snow Brushes and Ice Scrapers

Snow is never a guarantee in the UK, which is why the country struggles to deal with it when it comes down heavily. People don’t see the value in investing in equipment if they aren’t going to use it for years. However, when the snow does eventually arrive, millions scramble around to get hold of clearing goods.

By investing a small amount on Amazon, Gumtree or Ebay, you could build up a big collection of goods to sell on for a small profit if the snow does arrive. Even if it isn’t this year, the next ‘Best from the East’ won’t be far behind.

Buy snow cleaning products here.

Rent Out Snowblowers, Sleds and Other Winter Gear

While people might easily shell out some cash for a sturdy snow shovel, they may only want to rent a snowblower for a short length of time.

Consider renting out snowblowers, and other winter gear, even heavy winter clothing.

If you’re the type to go on skiing holiday, you can also rent out your gear to people looking to have some fun on hills as there aren’t exactly many opportunities to ski in the UK!

Find other ways you can make money by renting out your stuff.

Sell Your Storm Photos

Everybody loves seeing a photo or video which demonstrates the power of Mother Nature. So, if you manage to get a snap of a lightning bolt, a huge incoming storm or just your your dog enjoying the snow, call up your local news stations and publications (even national ones) and offer to send a watermarked version for their consideration.

If travel is difficult, news crews can’t be everywhere, and they may be willing to pay for your epic storm photos.

Also, look into stock photography options, where you can earn a few pounds or so per photo on the likes of Shutterstock or Unsplash.

Babysit for Parents

Just because there’s a giant storm doesn’t mean all parents can stay home from work.

Offer your babysitting services to neighbors and friends, watching their kids if they’re called off to work, and earn some money while doing so.

If you’re a student, this is the perfect way to earn money and get some study time in over the holiday season.

You can even promote the fun, snow-related activities that you’ll do with the kids, including sledding, making snow angels, building a snowman and baking if you have the skills to get it done.

Provide Pet Care and Pet Sitting

Some pet owners have to head to work during a big storm, and others are physically unable to walk their dog through large snow drifts.

A pair of snowshoes or skis can certainly come in handy for dog walking so if you have a pair, you could help a lot of people out.

If you have time off during the holidays student dog sitting, like babysitting, can be a great way to earn some money while you get some work done.

Find out more about dog walking here.

Offer Transportation

Once more, if you have a four wheel drive car, you could offer to take people on important journeys which they may not be able to make without a powerful vehicle.

As is the case in the UK, trains and buses are often stopped at the slightest hint of snow, so there will be a lot of people needing support if a big storm comes along.

Adding a set of snow chains to your car will help you justify charging a small fee.

You can get your hands on chains for wheels from Halfords he re.

clear your clutter

If you’re stuck inside with not a lot to do, you might as well clear your clutter and discover how much your unused items will be worth.

Check out our dedicated guides and videos which are packed full of useful information on how to make the most of clearing your clutter here.

Declutter your life – Free Ebook download

Help With Clean Up

Blizzards pack a punch and, with high winds, they can leave a trail of wreckage and damage. Helping with the clear up can earn you some extra income.

Walking around areas with a lot of trees may reveal damaged properties and blockages on driveways, which you can offer to clear for a fee.

From chopping and hauling away downed trees (which you may be able to keep for firewood), to repairing downed fences, and picking up wayward shingles that have blown off roofs, there is plenty of work to do after a storm.

For more help and advice on surviving and thriving this winter, click on any of the links below.

How to Survive the Winter Blues: Part 2

Broadband and TV Packages – Winter Deals

Save Money by Preparing your Garden this Winter

Get your Home Ready for the Winter

Save Money on Car Maintenance this Winter