What are the best tools to use when cleaning out a vent located in the living room, but at the same time have never done this before... this being the 1st time doing it on my own?

Once a year I have all my vents done by a company that comes in and hooks up vacuum hoses and cleans everything out. This is good when you have pets and before the forced air heat is turned on in the fall.

During other times I use my vacuum cleaner hose attachment as far down the vent as I can get it.