Shark attack

I've been on the lookout for a new vacuum for the house; we have three levels (basement, living, bedrooms), and the heavy vacuum gets so cumbersome to carry up and down. So mostly, one floor went without regular vacuuming, and with 3 pets, that just wasn't working anymore.

The basement is now without carpet (yay for cork!), so mostly I just sweep that for now. Our living area is mostly hardwood, with one room carpeted (and yes, I'd love for that to be gone one day). Upstairs is all carpet, so that needed the heavy vacuum. So I set out to find a good answer for the combination of hardwood and carpet. Here is my needs list:

1. Smaller size: Lack of storage on this floor means it has to sit out somewhere, or fit in the tiny coat closet.
2. Small pricetag: I'm not willing to pay $600 for a vacuum. Just not happening.
3. Able to pick up pet hair.
4. Able to do carpet and floors, both well
5. Have attachments for getting into corners
6. That's it. 

And then I just couldn't find what I wanted. For months I've been putting this off; that's not too hard since it's not the most exciting thing to shop for.

I finally did make a decision though, and wanted to share. (I know...you're excited now too, huh?)

I went with the Shark Navigator Lift-Away.  It has everything I was looking for, including a great pricetag ($179 less 20% at Bed, Bath and Beyond). 

So I brought it home and tested it out.  I vacuum downstairs regularly, and think I did it last night.  I went over it with the Shark, and here is the outcome (Warning: Yucky dirt pictured:)

My hand is only there to give you an idea of how much dirt and pet hair came out of the canister.  Gross.  And not gross, since it's not there anymore. 

The Shark was easy to put together, easy to use (including the attachments) and obviously the suction is what it claims to be.  All parts clicked together very tightly and nothing seems flimsy.

It's not that big, so I think I can find a place to stash it once I clean out the mess that is the hall closet.
So for the price and the amount of dirt removed, I'm very happy! Who knew a vacuum could brighten one's day? 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Shark or Bed Bath and Beyond in any way.  Shopping for a vacuum is a pain, and I just wanted to share something I've found that I like so far.  This can be found on Amazon, of which I'm am an affiliate, but I am not out to make money selling vacuums, so am not including the link.