Take a good look at your cleaning needs

Before you head out and purchase one of each of the many types of vacuums on the market today, take a good look at your cleaning needs. One good upright vacuum may be all you need. On the other hand, if you have a growing family in a home that isn't, your cleaning regiment may benefit from an upright for vacuuming the carpets, a canister for the stairs and upholstery, a stick vacuum for quick runs through the kitchen and foyer before company arrives, and maybe even a hand vacuum to get those little messes the young one's snack left behind. Know your needs before you make any purchase.

Vacuums have come a long way. You can purchase a vacuum for less than $50, or spend over $1000. Obviously, these will be very different machines. Check out the different types of vacuums in the next section, the features discussed later, and talk to your friends and family. Nothing speaks better of a vacuum than a satisfied user.