With the mountain of books, clothes, and everyday essentials that need packing for college, carving out space for a bulky vacuum cleaner can feel nearly impossible. That’s why choosing one that’s compact and powerful is a smart move – and we’ve found just the thing.
Right now, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster is on offer for $79.99 at Amazon. It’s the best handheld vacuum we’ve tested at Homes & Gardens, delivering impressive suction that rivals many full-sized models – perfect for both floors and furniture.
Short on space? This is the solution you've been waiting for. Keep reading to discover why this small-but-mighty vacuum stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Why the Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster is the perfect space-saving vacuum for dorms
I was genuinely impressed by the cleaning power of this compact vacuum. I put it to the test at a local cat and dog shelter, where its motorized anti-tangle attachment effortlessly lifted fur from carpets, rugs, chairs, and sofas. If you’re after the best vacuum for pet hair, this is it.
But it’s not just pet hair, it handles well – crumbs, dust, mud, and everyday messes posed no challenge either. I’ve tried some of the best cordless vacuums costing three times as much that don’t clean nearly as effectively.
Plus, it comes with a compact charging dock measuring just 6.3 by 3.15 inches, perfect for maximizing space in a small room. It keeps the vacuum charged and ready at all times—a total lifesaver, especially when sharing with roommates.
The Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster is available for $79.99 at Amazon.
More to shop
Still browsing for your college dorm room checklist? Here are six other vacuums we've tested ourselves that would make a perfect fit. All prices correct at time of publication.
More budget-friendly than the Black+Decker, the Brigii Cordless Handheld earns runner-up status as one of our top handheld vacuums thanks to its straightforward design and reliable performance across all surfaces. However, it does lack a motorized brush attachment. Read more in our full Brigii Cordless Handheld review.
If you want the absolute best and don’t mind investing in top-tier performance, the Dyson Car+Boat is the most powerful handheld vacuum on the market. Its premium price reflects its exceptional capabilities. Read more in my Dyson Car+Boat review.
A true dorm room savior, the Black+Decker steam mop can clean the whole house, from floors to clothes to soft furniture. It uses high-powered steam to break down bacteria, and it's so speedy that it can cut your chore time in half.
We all know college dorms are no strangers to spillages, so a wet/dry cleaner might be the smartest solution to keep the kitchen truly clean. It can vacuum up liquids and solids, and can be emptied without getting your hands dirty. Read more in our full Shark MessMaster review.
Step up from handheld to full-sized cordless with Shark’s most advanced cordless stick vacuum – currently on sale with $150 off. This powerful machine tackles dust, debris, and pet hair with ease, making it a seriously impressive upgrade for any home. Read more in our full Shark Cordless PowerDetect review.
Also available is Levoit’s LVAC-300, an affordable cordless vacuum that offers far more cleaning power than a handheld model. Lightweight and compact for easy storage, it comes with a versatile set of attachments designed to tackle everything from carpets and mattresses to sofas. Read more in my full Levoit LVAC-300 review.
For more expert vacuum advice, check out our tested guides of the best vacuums for carpets and the quietest cordless vacuums.
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