So, the other day I decided to tackle that pile of shingles in my backyard. You know, the one that’s been sitting there since last summer’s roofing project? Yeah, that one. My plan was simple: move the shingles to the curb for the bulk trash pickup. Little did I know, this “simple” task would turn into a mini-adventure in problem-solving.
I started with my trusty wheelbarrow. I loaded it up, thinking I’d make quick work of it. First trip, no problem. Second trip? The wheelbarrow started to feel… heavy. Really heavy. Turns out, a full wheelbarrow of shingles is significantly heavier than a wheelbarrow full of, say, leaves. Who knew?
By the third trip, my back was screaming, and I was barely making a dent in the pile. I stood there, hands on my hips, staring at the remaining shingles. There had to be a better way.
That’s when I remembered the old tarp in the garage. I dragged it out, figuring I could maybe use it as a makeshift sled. I spread the tarp next to the shingle pile and started shoveling the shingles onto it. It wasn’t elegant, but it worked. Once I had a decent amount on the tarp, I grabbed the corners and pulled.
This method was way easier on my back. Instead of lifting and carrying, I was just dragging. The tarp glided surprisingly well across the grass, even with a heavy load. I made trip after trip, tarp-sledding those shingles to the curb. The process may be slower than I expect, but I made it.
It wasn’t pretty, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for long distances, but for my little backyard project, the tarp-sled method was a lifesaver.
Here is what I did for the whole process:
- Tried using a wheelbarrow at the very begining.
- Realized that the wheelbarrow has a heavy loading for my back.
- Used a tarp instead as a sled.
- Successfully moved the pile.
By the time the sun started to set, the shingle pile was gone, and I was feeling pretty good.
My back was still intact. Lesson learned: sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one, even if it looks a little ridiculous.
