So, Project 1:
Step 1 - reinstalling all Store Content, getting rid of ALL Custom Content so I can very very carefully install a select few items (mostly worlds and lots without CC)

Step 2 - sorting all of it into easy - to - use (and find) in-game collections.

The update: Successfully uninstalled all store and custom content, returning game to factory settings. Got my in-game options set up again, and have finished a good 40-50% of re-downloading and installing bought Store content. I'm doing it VERY slowly, and double-checking everything installs correctly, for the simple reason that one of the reasons I decided to do this was a lot of store content that said it was installed, but was nowhere to be found in game. Uninstalling/reinstalling it never did any good, the game refused to notice the items were even there.  So far, so good.

While working on this, loading and testing the items, etc.. I went ahead and started on the before-mentioned "town-organizing" projects. The first town I'm tackling is Sunset Valley - because, hey, it's the first town... logic, organization.. ok, so I'm going a little bit overboard, but at this point in my life, I desperately need some order somewhere. So, in a nutshell, Project 2 is Sunset Valley. First, I loaded up the town, deleted all "auto-placed" lots.. (thanks EA).. and started making lists and organizing. I think I've pretty much figured out what needs updating for which expansion pack, what lots need building, and where they're going to go. I also have a pretty good idea of a concept for each lot - the idea is to make each town and neighborhood as unique-feeling as possible - so I'm going to attempt to re-use as few lots as possible. Which means, building matching lots for each town - and since this is about organizing, I'll do one town at a time so the items will be easier to find in the lot bin (they organize by the time they're saved, far as I can tell.)

The benefit for me? A plan and stuff to do, .. and more things organized. The benefit for everyone else? .. once I test the lots in game (by having sims interact with them and making sure they work) .. I'm uploading them to the exchange so other people can use them in their towns. The plan is to use absolutely zero custom content, and keep the requirements for each lot as simple and low as possible. I tested and uploaded the first one - the Sunset Valley Pictures (Film Studio). Good thing I did test it, because the initial version apparently had the door blocked... duh.. all fixed, correct version on the exchange. Expect more as I bounce back and forth between projects.  🙂

(Posted 11/17 on my Sims 3 blog) http://www.thesims3.com/myBlog.html?persona=IllusoryThrall&month=11&year=2012