I hate dusting too, so I sympathise!
I use a variety of cloths - some microfiber ones (bought before I knew they're bad for the environment), some old flannels, and the old-fashioned yellow cotton dusters. They hold the dust better if you wet them first, then wring out excess water so they are just damp. Rinse them regularly (at least between rooms) to vet rid of the dust you've collected.
Start at the top and work down. So light shades first, then high shelves/eye-level cupboards, then work surfaces/tops of cupboards, then skirting boards. Do your blinds before you do the windowsill.
Dusting is much quicker and easier if you don't have excessive stuff that you have to move around. See if you can declutter first. Put on a podcast or some music to make it less boring.
How often you do it depends on how quickly the room gets dusty and also your tolerance of dust! If you have friends round, low lighting makes it less obvious. If things are really bad, just think of Quentin Crisp, who said, "There is no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years, the dust doesn't get any worse".
You don't need to dust everything, every week. Have a look at The Organised Mum Method - she has some schedules so everything gets done regularly, without cleaning taking over your life. You can adapt her ideas to suit your situation.