Well, I don't shovel at all--dh snowblows. But, I do know what works best...it depends on how much and what kind of snow you are getting (and also whether or not you are going out or having visitors). If it's going to be a wet, heavy snow or a lot of snow, then shovel before it stops. But, if it's light and fluffy and not a lot of it, you can probably wait (except maybe for a path for the mail or paper carrier).