A house feels clean when the rooms you use most are clean. That's why it helps to work from a short list instead of trying to do everything at once.
Start with the kitchen. Clear the counters, wipe them down, clean the sink, and wipe the fronts of the appliances. Then move on to the bathrooms: sink, toilet, tub or shower, and mirror.
Next come the bedrooms and living areas. Dust from the top down, so anything that falls lands on a floor you haven't cleaned yet. Finish with vacuuming and mopping, working toward the door.
In Boston-area homes, entryways deserve extra attention from November to April. Road salt and slush get tracked in fast, and a mat plus a quick mop keeps it from spreading through the house.
If you'd rather hand the list to someone else, call G&S Cleaning Services at (617) 461-5044 for an estimate.