I usually just start to 'clean up' when I can't figure out exactly what I want/have 'to do'. Does that make sense?
Then when I do figure out what I want/have 'to do' my house will be cleaner and things will be in their place.
Just did it yesterday when I really didn't feel like doing anything. Within an hour, I had the entire house totally picked up and put away, and things were wiped and swiped and tossed out. Spent the evening relaxing with the family and didn't have to worry about the house.
Now if I could just get some Christmas decorations up . . . . . . .