Guide to Vacuums for Small Spaces

What Are Vacuums for Small Spaces, and Do You Need Them?

Vacuums for Small Spaces

Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes and can help you keep your small space neat and tidy. Most vacuums, designed for large or small areas, are apt at sucking up crumbs, dust, and dirt from your floors. Depending on the model you purchase, you can clean up small or large messes. 

However, vacuums are often seen as large and heavy devices that take up a lot of room, but in recent years they have gotten smaller and lighter. Therefore, they have become an ideal cleaning device for small spaces such as apartments. 

High-quality vacuums for small spaces are well-equipped to clean hard-to-reach places, making them incredibly useful for detailed deep cleaning. They also come with various attachments, enabling the vacuum to do much more. 

Vacuums for small spaces are necessary for those living in small apartments because they are portable, easy to use, and powerful. You get all the benefits of a regular vacuum in a smaller body.

Is It Worth Buying a Vacuum for Small Spaces?

Is It Worth Buying a Vacuum for Small Spaces

If you live in a small space, purchasing a vacuum with a small form factor is the most practical step. Many benefits come alongside buying a vacuum for small spaces. 

You Live in a Small Space

One of the main reasons why people purchase a small vacuum is because they live in small spaces, such as apartments. Such places do not offer much storage space to store large vacuums. Large vacuums are also burdensome to maneuver in small spaces, and the added dustbin capacity and power usually go unused. 

A more compact vacuum allows you to maneuver your vacuum into awkward spaces easily and clean efficiently. Plus, they are much easier to store. 

You Want a Device That Is Powerful and Portable

Despite their small size, vacuum cleaners for small spaces are powerful cleaning devices. They create enough suction power to clean most dry messes. This feature, combined with their portability, makes them an efficient cleaning tool for most small spaces. 

Additionally, suppose you opt for a cordless vacuum. In that case, you are not constricted by the length of the vacuum’s rod and can quickly move around your living space to clean. Such vacuums also weigh less and are perfect for the elderly and those with back problems. 

You Need To Save Money

If you want to save money, then smaller vacuums are the best choice as they are cheap but effective. They are inexpensive because they are smaller, and much less material goes into their construction. Thus, they are a great option if you are on a budget. 

Uses Less Energy

Since smaller vacuums are compact, they have less suction power than heavy-duty devices, meaning they use less energy. Therefore, they are much better for the environment. 

Vacuums for Small Spaces vs. Traditional Vacuums

Vacuums for small spaces operate exactly as traditional vacuums do, but there are a few key differences. The most significant difference between the two lies in size, dust capacity, and power. 

Since smaller vacuums are meant for smaller spaces, they have a much more compact design. On the other hand, traditional vacuums aim to maximize their potential and do not seek to reduce their size. However, their size makes smaller vacuums much more portable than conventional ones. You can also use them to clean hard-to-reach spaces.

Smaller vacuums also have smaller dust capacities and can only clean small spaces, such as apartments. However, traditional vacuums have a larger dust capacity and can clean up larger messes effectively. You also need to empty out smaller vacuums more frequently than traditional ones. 

Vacuums meant for smaller spaces are also comparatively weaker since they have smaller motors than traditional vacuums. Therefore, they generate much less suction power and may not be helpful for deep cleaning on their lower power modes. 

Different Kinds of Vacuums for Small Spaces

Different Kinds of Vacuums for Small Spaces

With many vacuums available on the market, choosing one that fits your needs can be difficult. If you live in a small space and need a compact vacuum, you have four kinds to choose from.

Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums are one of the most common types of vacuums people living in small spaces opt for. They stand upright, balancing on the roller and the powerhead, making them extremely easy to store. You can stand them in the corner of your closet or lay them flat under your bed.

Upright vacuums are excellent for cleaning small messes on various flooring types. You can clean hardwood, tile, low-pile and high-pile carpets, and vinyl. The biggest appeal of upright vacuums is that all the components are part of a single unit and can be stored easily.

Stick Vacuums

Stick vacuums are a kind of upright vacuum that are much more compact and portable. They have a smaller design, which results in a smaller dust capacity. Stick vacuums are also lightweight, making them easy to transport from one end of your home. 

Most stick vacuums are also cordless, which allows you to move around freely and clean hard-to-reach places. Stick vacuums are versatile cleaning devices and are excellent at spot cleaning. They are also bagless, which makes them easy to maintain. 

Handheld Vacuums

Handheld vacuums are one of the most compact vacuums on the market. They are designed to be held in one hand, so they are lightweight. Therefore, they are ideal for cleaning cars and small spaces. Handheld vacuums also have smaller motors and are not as powerful as other vacuums. Still, they are portable and easy to store. 

Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums use advanced technology to clean your home on their own. They are autonomous cleaners, which are highly convenient for small spaces and can be set to follow a cleaning schedule. Such vacuums are not as powerful as other kinds of vacuums, but they are much more convenient. 

What To Look Out For

What To Look Out For

When purchasing a vacuum for small spaces, there are many options to choose from. However, if you want a device that fits your needs best, you have to look for a few key features before you purchase a vacuum. 

Power

The amount of suction power in your vacuum should depend on the kind of messes you plan on cleaning up and the size of the space you will be cleaning. Suppose you intend to use your vacuum to clean up large messes and pet hair across a large area. In that case, purchasing a vacuum with higher suction power will benefit you. 

If you are cleaning up small messes in smaller spaces, you don’t need to spend much money purchasing a vacuum with high suction power. 

The power of a vacuum is usually stated in amps, and the standard power level of vacuums is 12 amps. Therefore, you should not purchase a device with a lower power level. 

Dustbin Capacity and Type

Suppose you are purchasing a vacuum for small spaces. In that case, you will probably not need a large dustbin, owing to the small area you will be cleaning. Thus, vacuums meant for smaller spaces have smaller dustbin capacities.

The size of your dustbin also depends on your use. If you intend to clean up large messes even in a small space, you should opt for a dustbin that has a larger bin capacity. You should also consider the maintenance because the smaller the dustbin size, the more frequently you will have to clean it.

However, maintenance should not be an issue with vacuums for small spaces as less dust is collected. 

Vacuums for small spaces have two kinds of dustbins, bagless and bagged. Bagless dustbins are much more convenient because you can simply dispose of the bag when it fills up. However, they are much more expensive as you constantly need to repurchase bags. 

Bagless vacuums are much cheaper and easier to maintain because they can be emptied out into a trashcan when they fill up. Therefore, you need to consider your usage before you opt for one of the two types. 

Cordless vs. Corded 

When purchasing a vacuum, choosing between corded and cordless is a crucial decision you need to make. Suppose you intend to use your vacuum for extended periods. In that case, you should opt for a cordless vacuum because it does not run out of charge. On the other hand, a cordless vacuum is better for smaller tasks that do not require you to use the vacuum for long. 

Some cordless vacuums even offer swappable batteries, meaning you can charge one battery while using the other. Generally, cordless vacuums are much better for cleaning small spaces because they are designed to be lightweight and portable. 

Corded Vacuums Cordless Vacuums
They have high-output motors powered by a power outlet. They are lightweight and portable.
They have much larger bin capacities. They allow you to move the vacuum anywhere in your home without being tethered to a power outlet.
They never run out of charge and can be used for extended periods. They come with swappable batteries as a solution to low run times.

Attachments

Most vacuums come with extra attachments, allowing you to do much more with your vacuum. These attachments will enable you to clean various surfaces and messes easily. Some standard extensions include a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a pet brush.

A crevice tool is extremely useful in cleaning hard-to-reach places, such as deep crevices, which regular vacuums cannot clean. You can use an upholstery tool to clean furniture thoroughly, as it can suck up dirt, dust, debris, and pet dander. A pet brush is another excellent tool for picking up pet hair. 

Therefore, you should ensure that your vacuums come with extra attachments, as they will be helpful when cleaning your home. 

Dimensions

Before choosing a vacuum, you must choose one that fits comfortably inside your home. It may be challenging to gauge the size when shopping online or in-store. However, suppose you pay close attention to the vacuum’s dimensions and the size of your storage space. In that case, you will be able to make an accurate guess of whether or not the vacuum will fit. 

Generally, smaller vacuums measure only 3,300 square inches. On the other hand, traditional vacuums are 6,600 square inches or larger. Therefore, you should aim for a vacuum measuring 3,000 to 5,000 square inches. 

Versatility

When purchasing a vacuum, you must choose one that is multi-purpose. The more jobs your vacuum can do, the less you will need to spend on other cleaning devices and attachments. Therefore, you will be saving time, cash, and storage space. 

Thus, you should ensure that your vacuum is a multi-surface cleaner that you can use on multiple surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, carpets, and more. Furthermore, it should also be able to pick up messes of different sizes. 

Weight and Portability

If you purchase a vacuum for small spaces, ensure that it is lightweight and portable. The lighter the vacuum is, the easier it is to carry it around as you clean. Furthermore, lightweight vacuums are also easy to store and move around when needed.

A heavier vacuum, in comparison, can be challenging to maneuver around tight spaces, and it will cost you more than a lightweight and portable one. 

Noise

When purchasing a vacuum for indoor spaces, you must consider the amount of noise it will make. Smaller vacuums are generally much quieter because they have smaller motors. 

However, just to be safe, you should check the decibel rating on the vacuum. Standard vacuums are labeled at 70 decibels, so any rating higher than that will be loud. Therefore, you should choose a vacuum with a decibel rating of around 60 to 65. It is also essential to note that louder vacuums are much more powerful, and you will be sacrificing power if you want a quieter vacuum. 

Additionally, if possible, choose a vacuum that has multiple modes. Generally, vacuums make the most noise when they are in the most powerful setting. Therefore, if there are modes, you can switch them up to quieten the vacuum. 

Pros and Cons of Small Space Vacuums 

Pros and Cons of Small Space Vacuums 

Pros Cons
They are compact and easy to store. They are usually battery-powered and have short run times.
They are easy to maneuver around tight spaces. They are not as durable as traditional models.
They come in corded and cordless varieties. The latter gives you more freedom to move around. They have small bins, meaning you will need to empty the tank often.
They are lightweight and portable. They are not as powerful as traditional vacuums.
Robot vacuums have automated functions that clean the house for you. They are not suitable for deep cleaning.
They are much quieter than conventional vacuums

Brand 

When purchasing a vacuum for small spaces, you must buy from a reputable brand because they are known to use the latest technology and high-quality products. Well-known brands, such as Shark, Dyson, Bissell, and Tineco, put great care into their products to ensure customer satisfaction.

Shark

Shark is well known in the vacuum space for having some of the most compact models. Their cleaning devices are incredibly convenient and do not weigh more than 8 – 9 pounds. Shark’s stick vacuums also double as handheld vacuums and can be used in hard-to-reach places. They also come with various attachments, which makes cleaning straightforward and effortless. 

They also use a sealed filtration system with HEPA filters to trap dust and allergens. Some popular models include the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum and the Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro.

Dyson

Dyson vacuums are some of the best in terms of cleaning. Their vacuums are extremely powerful and have high suction power, which can help clean a surface quickly. Their smaller vacuums are easy to use and come with multiple power modes. Furthermore, you can easily dock or mount their vacuums for easy storage.

Dyson vacuums are multi-purpose. You can convert most of them into handheld vacuums, which are more suitable for cleaning tight corners and deep crevices. Some popular Dyson models include the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum and the Dyson V6 stick vacuum.

Bissell

Bissell’s vacuums are some of the smallest on the market, weighing around 5 pounds. Therefore, they are incredibly lightweight and portable. These vacuums have rubber and hard nozzles, which makes these vacuums excellent for cleaning various surfaces. Furthermore, Bissell’s vacuums are some of the least expensive ones, making them perfect if you are on a budget. 

Their vacuums also come with various attachments for cleaning pet hair, which makes them the best vacuums for pet hair. Some popular Bissell vacuums include the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and the Bissell AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum

FAQ

1. How long will small vacuums last?

On average, small vacuums can last between five and seven years. Usually, at this point, your vacuum needs to be repaired, which can be costly, so replacing them is more cost-effective.

2. Where should a vacuum for small spaces be stored?

A small vacuum is extremely easy to store because they have a compact design. You can store such vacuums in a closet, in the corner of your bedroom, under your bed, or behind your door.

3. Are robot vacuums worth the price?

Robot vacuums are worth the price if you want a vacuum that offers the convenience of hands-off cleaning. Due to their size, they are not as powerful as a regular vacuum. Still, they are much easier to manage and operate. 

4. Are cordless vacuums worth it?

Cordless vacuums are perfect for smaller spaces as they are incredibly lightweight and easy to use. Their lack of cords allows you to transport it anywhere easily and clean multiple surfaces. Therefore, they are definitely worth investing in. 

5. Should you leave a cordless vacuum plugged in when you are not using it?

Before using a cordless vacuum for the first time, and after every time you use it, you must charge it fully. This helps the battery learn your charging pattern and adapt to it. 

Conclusion

If you live in a smaller space, you must purchase a vacuum that can easily fit in the area and clean effectively. Buying a vacuum that is too large will make the cleaning process a lot more complicated and awkward. Smaller vacuums are generally much easier to handle as they are lightweight and portable. Their small form factor also makes them extremely easy to store.

Thus, when purchasing a vacuum for smaller spaces, focusing on a few key features, such as dustbin capacity, power, dimensions, noise, and attachments, can help you find a vacuum that best fits your needs.