I know you're busy. Fall is a very busy time of year. Finding time for a major clean is a challenge, but here are some things you can do:

• In advance of your cleaning dates, do your best to lay the groundwork by doing basic tidying: Hang up clothes; do laundry; put things where they actually belong; do the nagging little errands you've been putting off. Spending 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
• If you get a rainy weekend, try to use it since you're lucky stuck inside anyway.
• If possible, pick an extended bloc of time for your cleaning and schedule it in pen. I usually block out most of a weekend.
• Alternatively, you can do an hour or two each day for a few weeks.
• Make sure you have sufficient cleaning supplies on hand. You don't want to have to break your flow to go buy a sponge.
• Get everyone in the family involved. Everyone can do something.
• If the weather allows, open all the windows and let fresh air flood your house. It's amazing how much it will help.

It's not going to be fun. I won't pretend that it will be. But the peace of mind that comes from entering the holiday season with a clean house will make it all worthwhile.