By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Consider your current vacuum cleaner and list what it is you don't like about it. Characteristics to consider include weight, power, suction, width and on board tools.
Step2
Think about what it is you need to use the vacuum cleaner for. Maybe you vacuum strictly carpets, use it to remove pet hair from furniture or use it to clean drapes or blinds. If you use the vacuum cleaner for more than carpet maintenance, you should look into products that have features such as on board tools or a power brush.
Step3
Decide on an amount you are willing to invest. Consider which features are must haves and which you would be willing to go without if they are out of your price range.
Step4
Visit a discount department store, specialty store or home improvement store and compare available vacuum prices and features. Features that help determine price may include power brush attachment, onboard tools, self propelling, bagless, HEPA filtration system and others.
Step5
Select the vacuum cleaner that has the most features that are important to you but remains within your price range.
