Tips please for getting my Sim out more.

For dust issues you can get the roomba vaccum cleaner, set it to automatic and upgrade it self cleaning. I never put large skill objects in my sims's houses, and they need to earn the money to buy the smaller skill objects they do have in their houses, so they need to travel for everything, at least until they get the basic stuff they need like a computer. To get them out of the house you need to establish a routine for this and if possible stop to have a snack or a meal at a food stand, restaurant or cafe, or even a bar. You always meet sims this way. Also, if possible try to get other sims you want to make friends with to accompany you when you visit other lots, or accept their invites to the festivals or their house or whatnot. If other sims show up at your door, invite them in, make some tea and have a chat, do something together.