vaccuum, rake or shovel?

Some parts of the house, like the middle of the living room, need only a vaccuuming to make them presentable. Occasional spot remover and the strategic placement of a throw rug keeps the carpet looking clean, if no longer new.
Other parts of the house should be tackled with a garden rake. Daniel's room comes to mind. Legos, matchbox cars and Thomas and Friends make getting from door to bedside hazardous, and cleaning a joke.
Then there are the areas that should be approached with nothing less sturdy than a shovel. The laundry room and kitchen sink come to mind...the socks and dirty dishes have been breeding again.
--Misty