The compact handheld vacuum is ideal for tackling everyday messes, whether it’s crumbs on the couch, pet hair in the car or spills around a highchair, litter box or food bowl. And when you need more reach for everyday floor cleaning, a cordless stick vacuum offers the same lightweight convenience in a longer form.

Since the handheld vacuum prioritizes portability, the handheld cordless vacuum is the most common model. A cordless handheld vacuum will plug into a charging station or directly into the wall to stay powered up and ready for use. Some battery-powered vacuums also allow you to swap out a used battery pack for a charged one during long cleaning sessions.

Thanks to improvements in material and technology, handheld vacuums can be durable, light and versatile. Many include full-length vacuum attachments that allow them to transform into stick vacuums for cleaning the floor. Some offer advanced features, like the ability to handle wet spills and messes. For food and drink spills, look for a wet-and-dry handheld vacuum.

Choosing the best vacuum involves weighing features, sizes, weights and prices. Start by considering how you will be using your new vacuum. Do you need your new handheld vacuum cleaner to serve as an upright vacuum? Do you want a vacuum for pet hair? Think of your vacuuming needs.

Once you have a sense of your specific vacuuming requirement, consider whether you have design and specialty preferences. For example, do you want a bagless vacuum, a hypoallergenic vacuum? You might also have a brand preference, such as for a Shark vacuum or a Dyson vacuum. Finally, finish your vacuum shopping by considering your ideal budget.

If your new vacuum cleaner is part of an effort to revamp the look and feel of your house, you might consider other useful tools for maintaining your flooring, revitalizing your upholstery or allergy-proofing your home. A carpet cleaner can remove a shocking amount of old dirt and debris, and an air purifier can keep you breathing easier by removing dust, pet dander and pollution from the air in your home.