[header] How to emergency houseclean [title] Make a simple list of the tasks and decide your plan of attack in the most simple logical way. [step] It is sometimes easier to start with the bedrooms or living room because they are usually easier and you will feel like you are making headway quicker. Save the kitchen for last. 
You might decide some rooms can be ignored by shutting (and locking) the door to them. Put the dirty dishes in a sink full of sudsy water.