Sears has a "shop-vac" that can pull the carpet off the floor. Looks like a 30 gallon bucket on wheels. It's designed as a wet/dry unit, but I have never used it as a wet vac. It's big and ugly, but sure does the job, and there are several attachment options available. It does take up some closet space when not in use. Mine is about 15 yrs old, and cost about US$100 when new. The basic issue you'll have to wrestle with is the old form/function dilemna. Beauty and doo-dads cost money. Good luck.