The bed should be the focal point of your room. Being thoughtful about where you place it can make the room feel larger or smaller.  If you have a double bed, place it in the center of the room's most visible wall, with space on either side to get out. This leaves the most free space along the walls. If you have a dresser, place it on the wall opposite the foot of the bed.  If you have a twin bed, put it in a corner. The head and one side of the bed should be along perpendicular walls. This maximizes the remaining floor space in the center of the room. Chances are, your bed takes up more floor space than any other item in the room. Don't let this space go to waste!  Store as much as you can under the bed.  Consider some risers. For a small amount, you can buy risers that go under each leg of your bed. They raise it further off the floor, allowing you to store larger items underneath.  Some tubs, bins, or baskets can help you make the most of the space under the bed, keeping your possessions organized. You can also install drawers under your bed. You can use the drawers of an old dresser, or you can buy a bed with drawers already installed. This can be a great place to store clothes, shoes, or small knickknacks. Alternatively, if you don't need to store anything under your bed, it can be a good idea to choose one that is low to the ground. This creates a smaller appearance and can make the room look more spacious. If you are in a position to consider buying a new bed, another option is to get a loft or murphy bed.  A loft bed is a like a bunk bed without the bottom bunk. This allows you to use the space under the bed for another large piece of furniture, like a desk or dresser. A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up off the floor, sometimes right into the wall. You won't be able to store things in the area the bed folds down into, but you can fold the bed up when not in use to create more floor space.
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One-sentence summary -- Place the bed effectively. Use the space underneath. Consider a loft or murphy bed.


Finding new activities to participate in is a great way to build a more active social life. You could try finding a new intellectual pursuit. This will help you to sharpen your mind at the same time that you are meeting new people.  For example, you could join a local book club. Check with your neighborhood bookstore or local library to find out what sorts of groups they offer. You'll get exposed to a new array of literature, and hopefully, have fun discussing what you've read. Look for a lecture series. Many community centers and libraries have regular events where a local author or public figure delivers a talk. These events are a great way to interact with other people and be part of your community. Colleges and universities also regularly offer these types of events. This is a great time to try finding a new place to explore. You could take a bus trip up to a winery and enjoy a wine tasting. You could join a nature group and go on easy hiking excursions. Chances are, there are places nearby that you've yet to explore. Check out local groups for these types of excursions--you can often find inexpensive day  trips. Birdwatching is an excellent way to explore the habitat around you. You could find a class at your local community college and meet others who would like to explore nature with you. Participating in a hobby can be a fun thing to do with friends. Look for a common interest that you and a friend (or relative) share and devote some time to pursuing that activity. Finding a new hobby can be a great way to help you keep your social connections strong.  Maybe you have always wanted to pursue photography. This would be an excellent new skill to learn. You could also use it as a social activity by using your friends and family as test subjects. Try taking a dance class. Your new dance partner might become a new friend. Dancing is also a great way to stay physically active. Sometimes it can be intimidating to try new activities. If you're a little bit shy, try bringing a friend, neighbor, or relative with you on an outing. Having company can help give you the confidence that you need to take the leap and try something new. Try setting up a regular activity. Being the organizer allows you to invite a variety of people, and set up things that you like. For example, you could organize a weekly coffee club or a monthly dinner party. Volunteering is a great way to help others, and to find a productive way to fill your time. Spending time volunteering is also a great way to meet other people who share your interests and ideals. Make sure to find a volunteer opportunity that fits both your skills and interests.  Try to find a way to volunteer that utilizes your skills or passions. For example, if you love animals, try contacting your local shelter to see if they need dog walkers. If you are a former teacher, you could volunteer helping under-privelaged youth learn to read. Your local library is a great place to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area.
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One-sentence summary --
Exercise your mind. Explore new places. Find a new hobby. Recruit others. Volunteer.