I use 1 pole on most upatairs/downstairs properties - I can't understand why you all keep going with 6ft section poles, I had Gardiners make me a pole which consists of 4 sections at 4ft each.
16ft will reach most things and over most conservatories, only have to use 30ft pole on 3 storey places and some commercial, the pole will close down to just over 4ft long, short enough for ground floor work, it is very light too.
Marc