Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner housing and a pivotable handle with a grip portion. The handle is pivotably secured to the vacuum cleaner housing in such a manner that the turning axis of the handle is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is in a working position on a horizontal surface. The handle is maintained in a generally vertical position when the vacuum cleaner is in the working position. When an operator lifts the vacuum cleaner housing from the working position using the handle, the vacuum cleaner housing pivots to a substantially vertical position, with the position of the grip portion relative to the operator's hand remaining substantially unchanged during the lifting.