It's a common practice to store the vacuum in a hallway closet. Take note of the places you are most likely to vacuum, and pick a closet close to the areas you use most often. It is also possible to get an upstairs and a downstairs vacuum to avoid the time and stress of carrying it up the stairs. If you purchase the canister type of vacuum (not upright), it will give you many options to store it, for example, on a shelf or underneath a tall bed.