a miele vacuum

pricey, but i recommend checking ebay for open box-deals. the suction power is insane (this is thanks to it plugging right into the wall and not relying on a battery) and they are so much easier to maneuver than an upright vacuum. also, having a bag as opposed to a canister means that dust and pet hair get trapped forever and thrown away - instead of spilling back into the air when you empty the canister. extra points for being incredibly well made, serviceable and REPAIRABLE which is hard to find these days.