How to Organize & Compress Sims 2 Custom Content

[@LumiKang]

I love how all of Cindy's thumbnails have her looking to the left looking either, slightly amused, slightly annoyed, slightly confused or like she saw a cute puppy lol 😂

[@PleasantSims]

Those are my only facial expressions. HAHA

[@loonaboop2720]

Cindy is the most underrated sims youtuber ever! Thank you for the good times!

[@PleasantSims]

You're so welcome! Thank you!

[@Jaaayke]

Cindy you are literally out here doing EA's work!!! You have entirely revolutionised my Sims 2 experience!!

[@gabrielsouza8480]

Honestly it feels like Cindy just KNOWS I'm about to go on a cc shopping spree

[@AuntLoopy123]

My old computer died, and I had to get a new one, and freshly install everything. THIS time, I'm going to do it RIGH! Also, I'm going to back up everything to an external hard drive, so that if (WHEN) this computer dies, I can transfer to another one, with only some lost saves, and not lost EVERYTHING.

[@The101Rurple]

As a hardcore simmer since 2004 (especially Sims 2) I've only recently managed to somewhat tidy my download folder. I thought I knew most of the tricks and how wrong I was! I didn't know ANY of these! Thanks Cindy :)

[@PleasantSims]

You're very welcome! I'm happy I could help!

[@kidinthenight]

i felt personally attacked when you said to test your cc first, because i NEVER do it and i have soooo many broken cc without meshes and i don't even know what they are 😭😭😭 thanks for the tips and the downloads folder!!🤍

[@hopefuldreamer1074]

The reason why on mods it isn’t recommended to rename them it’s because, the way the mod was codified to be linked to that specific name. If the name is different then the script will have an error since there is no way to know what the new name is and it’s a hassle. Just if you were curious!

[@yellowcatmonkey]

so everyone saying to add _ or zz to the mods name are completely wrong? 🙈if only it could be more confusing but it just cannot

[@itsmike64]

Oh hell yes! I was JUST about to sit down and go through my cc when I saw this was posted. Couldn't have been better timing! Cindy coming in clutch 🤙🏼😆🙏🏼

[@PleasantSims]

Lol! Glad to help!!

[@jessy7550]

I need to do this! I’ve been hesitant to start downloading more custom content because I’m enjoying how smoothly and quickly my game runs, but I’m ready to seriously start replacing defaults and getting more furniture.

[@PleasantSims]

Go for it! 💙

[@anothergirl3209]

Cindy with the game changing tips! Thank you queen 💕💕💕💕

[@PleasantSims]

You are so welcome! 💙

[@xbluexflowerx]

I've literally never used CC because I've always assumed its for the tech savvy, but your last two videos are really making me want to give it a try

[@HulaZombiex]

Go for it! It’s absolutely not only for the tech savvy, it’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re new to it, but it’s so worth it. Eventually it’ll be second nature to you!

[@elizabeththomas6571]

Don't be scared, it really is fun and addictive!! And with Cindy's video's you can't go wrong.

[@Simmergetic]

For years, I’ve neglected organizing my CC folder and just dealt with the loading times. After watching this I’ve finally decided to do it. My game and sanity will thank me later. Thank you for making this. ❤️

[@kai5621]

I have so much CC that i'm tempted to delete it all and start again with this method, because trying to organise the mess that is my cc folder might become very difficult!

[@PleasantSims]

That's what I did when I decided I wanted to keep things organized. I just deleted it and started from scratch. It took a while to get all myf favorite stuff back, but it was worth it!

[@suzimarima]

@@PleasantSims it's so difficult now with so many creators gone with their websites abandoned. I had quite a lot of CC back in the day for specific historic CC and a lot of it is gone :(

[@elizabeththomas6571]

@@suzimarima that's why I'm so afraid to start from scratch. But I definitely love everything Cindy!!

[@suzimarima]

@@elizabeththomas6571 I've been able to connect with a lot of people still in the sims 2 community that graciously archived a lot of CC from back in the day. MTS forums is a great place to start. For historical stuff my go to is Plumb Bob Keep and their discord.

[@RedVelvetyJess]

@@suzimarima Yeah I've found a lot of CC archive websites through MTS forums. I think another website that's good is called "the Sims Graveyard" or something similar, that has archived CC from Sims 2 as well as 3 (and maybe even 4)? I'd have to fact check that one but pretty sure that's what it offers. Hope that helps you guys

[@FizzyIzzy33]

Have I told you I love you? Because I do. I’ve been playing sims 2 for 13 years and I had no idea about how content loaded or that sub folders can cause issues! You’re improving my playing experience! Thank you Cindy!

[@lord_neytan]

I'm doing my cc folder and this jump out. Cindy, sometimes you're like ads. We think about something, there you are with a video about it 👀

[@PleasantSims]

LOL! I'm in your head!

[@lord_neytan]

@Pleasant Sims Indeed 😂 The only difference is that I was merging too 👀

[@Klondike877]

so true! It happened to me too.

[@SimsADilly]

This method saved me 2GB of space (from 7,5GB to 5,5GB) and my game now loads in 2,5-3 minutes. Thanks a bunch! Never knew about this! 👏🏼🥳

[@avaclouden175]

omg cindy's in all of our brains -- i literally sat down with my cc folder this morning and it was so bad 💀💀 i needed this, for my cc...and for my soul

[@battiebumpkin]

You don't know how much I appreciate you sharing a copy of your downloads folder, I- 😭💚

[@roux2502]

100% agree with organizing defaults by mesh name. 100% agree with compressorizing CAS, buy and build mode CC. 100% agree with removing special characters and spaces with BRU (though keep in mind, this could lead to issues if you DL the same thing later and then don't realize you have dupes). 100% agree with testing everything. All these tips are spot-on. ❤️ However, I personally prefer to accept slightly longer load times to keep my items sub-foldered where I can identify/find them, sometimes with pics/txts to help me remember what's what. Many times I've looked at new default replacements only to wonder which ones I have, and then find that I prefer my old one to the new one, thanks to the pic that I saved in the folder. :) Sure, you can optimize your CC for the game to load, but if it's not *also* optimized for your brain, then what good is it?

[@sweber3054]

Ive unfollowed a lot of my Simtubers and kept you. I feel you are one of the most honest and helpful Simmers out there with only a few more other than yourself.

[@88kayleigh]

I know all this stuff and I do all this stuff, but I am just so pumped for more resources for baby Sims 2 players who are overwhelmed by figuring this stuff out, because it is a lot!! It’s great to have a clear and easy to follow, central kind of resource like this!

[@onemackerel138]

Omg, I just finished downloading a bunch of cc and mod, carefully putting each of them into hundreds of subfolders..I thought I'll watch this video, and pat myself on the back when I see how perfect my work is. I'VE BEEN DOING EVERYTHING WRONG D:

[@DeveloperFairy]

Cindy, I wish this could have rescued my CC obsessed 11-year-old. Now you are rescuing my CC repressed 26-year-old. And I love it. Thanks!

[@AnnacondaBanana]

I LITERALLY DID THIS WHOLE THING BY HAND... and just heard your comment about the folder download in the description... I’m disappointed with myself lol.. Thank you so much for this! ❤️❤️ My loading time used to take FOREVER lol

[@FaerieSkye]

I don't own the Sims 2 but am I going to watch every single video you do on how to make the game better? Absolutely!

[@carolien9076]

After seeing this I opened my downloads folder. Looked at it, and hopelessly closed it again. This is going to take actual years if I want to organize it like this.

[@pootoobaby738]

This video is old but babes you broke it down even further than I thought possible. Bless you for this gift you bestowed on the community.

[@patricias4fun]

By the way, empty downloads folder with sortable folders for us to download.................................................BRILLIANT! I can't even express how useful that's been. I completely re-organized my cc/mods and now it is SO much better! I only just started getting cc/mods for the sims 2 but seriously it was already getting problematic with deciding on what the folders should be in order to have it better organized. THANKS SO MUCH! I know to some people it might seem like not really a big deal but it really is greatly useful for slightly confused newbie's like me.

[@PleasantSims]

So happy to help!

[@marcosmencaramartin4061]

two videos in a row?? work it queen💅🏻💅🏻

[@Genre_sadgirl]

That Bulk Rename Utility made me way too excited. I had to go tell my bf about how cool it is.

[@12raben28]

Y'know, there are people, who like to see very neatly organised desks or shelves and now I understand them. Damn. Looking at that magnus opus is a delight! *chef's kiss*

[@moleyface]

Thank you for this! I've been just getting back into TS2 and redownloading some of my old things. I tried to be more organized this time around, but I like your system so much better. Thankfully, the fact that I *am* trying to be organized, if not efficiently, means I'm not starting from nothing if I want to adopt yours. :)

[@jaymekeying1174]

I've recently had enough of sims 4 and it's issues and came back to the sims 2. Your videos/tips/ everything about sims 2 basically has helped me so much! I am blown away that there are custom lots/sims that make you take a second to ask, "is this sims 2 or sims 4?" I've watched a few of your sims 4 videos and its funny to see how much happier you are when talking about sims 2, I get it now :)

[@MagnifreakMonsterna]

Oh my god, thank you so much for blessing us with your empty download folder

[@Flopi97]

Last year I had to uninstall the game bc it took up to 40 min to load, plus another 20 when I entered a family, I assumed it was bc my pc is old and slow NOW, last week I reinstalled the game following your way of installing cc AND it loads in less than 10 min! (Ok, I still haven't installed all the cc I used to have but still) so thaaank you so much for thisss

[@Pixuou]

thank you for the super useful video as always! i'm obsessed with organising my downloads folder and always come up with new ways, i think i'm going to try your folders now because they look super efficient

[@PleasantSims]

You're so welcome! Glad to help!

[@Pixuou]

@@PleasantSims

[@joleeaek]

I play the game since 2004 non stop, I'm a cc addict too and you just saved my laptop. I'm forever grateful and it's the first time in my life I felt that for someone I've never met 💖 Greetings from Greece! Thank you is not enough ❤️

[@belindaluna2067]

I know this is an older video now, and someone may have brought it up in the comments already, but Delphy's Download Organizer is a fucking godsend for custom content.

[@TeasCreations]

I almost gave up playing this game until I found your channel!! So many great tips and tricks!

[@ipbm27]

I just replaced a lot, I mean a lot of maxis clothes, but then I realize that many of the replacement that I've installed comes in folders which included the ones that I already have. So now I am drowning in a duplicated default replacement sea, and here comes Cindy to the rescue with this super duper tidy method! Love you Cindy, your work its helpful and really inspiring

[@exosluckyone]

yess i just redownloaded the sims 2 and got a ton of cc again!!! (i also saw your pinterest while looking for cc lol)

[@PleasantSims]

Yay! Happy Simming!

[@jem5771]

i can't thank you enough for including a download for the empty organized folder. now i might actually try and do this lol

[@MarcinViscardi]

Today I did a little cleaning in my Download folder which had absolutely everything inside since the beginning when I bought my first game. I made a few subfolders used The Compressorizer and I'm in shock how much difference it made. With more than 27000 files this folder was 8GB now it is 5GB! and the download time from 6 minutes is now 4 min and 10 seconds! :) And I love this channel, hugs and kisses.

[@HerHollyness]

I know this video is a few weeks old but I just watched it earlier today and wanted to comment to say thank you SO much for sharing these tips! My gaming laptop recently died so I had to go back to my very old non-gaming laptop that I bought 10 or 11 years ago for use at university. It can only just manage to run TS2 and even with very limited mods and CC, it was taking about 12 minutes to load. I spent today reorganising and compressing, and it’s now 4 minutes from clicking the game icon to being in Pleasantview. I literally cannot thank you enough! 😊💕👍

[@caitfitch8447]

So I started looking for Sims 2 mods for the first time, found your masterlist of mods. Now I'm organizing everything as I go based on this. My downloads folder is looking so beautiful.

[@hithere8753]

I just loaded up Sims 2 for the first time and cant believe how indepth it is. Thank you for these helpful videos.

[@TaylorsvillePolice]

OMG You are glorious, adding that folder. I sat here and typed it all while watching the video and then was like...omg she's got a link so now I don't have to copy and paste names to folders Lol. . I've just redownloaded all my games and started playing again and I cant stand the mess. Thank you thank you.

[@Joshyfied]

Aww the fact that you put up a folder on your site is so helpful, tysm! I’m gonna organize my folder immediately lol

[@natalieeforsyth]

Omg Cindy!!! I did this (using your pre-made folder - THANK YOU) and I saved 3.5GB and my load time is down from 25-30mins to 8mins and 27 secs! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@albaformiga7932]

My Celeron pc and I are very glad you posted this

[@PleasantSims]

😆 😆 😆 Glad to help!

[@lynzieclarke7367]

This is incredibly helpful!!!! You deserve a medal. Someone get this woman a medal please!!!

[@blueside6085]

Literally looked at my cc folder last night and thought to myself “i gotta organize this” you’re a blessing Cindy 💕💕💕

[@calystaacollida8387]

I've compressed my cc hair before and I saved like 4 GB 🤣 so I know what you mean

[@PleasantSims]

It's crazy how much space you can save!

[@dudateixeira3857]

this is so helpful, honestly, I appreciate your tutorial videos so much. I've been playing TS2 for years and never had the courage to use mods and custom content bc I was afraid it would mess up my game. your videos are so amazing! thank you so much!

[@NinniBernhardsson]

14 days of organizing and compressing and now DONE! Thanks Cindy, you're awesome!

[@thatwitchychick2717]

Miss you Cindy. I've been taking the plunge into moding for some time now thanks to your videos and my downloads folder was a complete mess. You just did so much freaking work for me and I love you for it. Haha.

[@caramiabambina]

Thank you! This is well needed for my set up. I suffered corruption recently and I feel like I need to organize my custom content and mods better so I can easily rework my files if/when corruption happens again.

[@tammiefletcher3088]

I love this! thank you so much Cindy. Took my OCD self about 2 weeks to organize this way but game runs so much better and faster!!!

[@RedVelvetyJess]

The advice in this video was already super helpful to me, but then just as I was dreading making a new Downloads folder with organized sub folders it got to the part where you said you'd already uploaded an empty folder template for everyone to use haha. I like things to be organized on my computer (and just in general) and always having bulky, generic CC folders like "Clothes" or "Buy Mode" stressed me out lol thanks so much for this video! I have my original (lowkey chaotic) Downloads folder still on my desktop and am slowly looking up the names for the CC files and/or going back to my favorites page on ModTheSims to see what I want to keep/where to put it and ngl it's very satisfying to feel so organized. The build/buy mode section is going to take me a while since I downloaded a ton of recolors lol but definitely going to be worth it imo.

[@justsomecyborg788]

Cindy you are an absolute blessing! Thank you for all of your videos! It has been endlessly useful and i am amazed by your attention to detail! All my love and gratitude to you Cindy ❤️❤️❤️

[@gamzmakarena]

You have no idea how much I was looking forward for that video. My downloads folder is a frikin ✨mess✨, I can't wait to take care of my stuff. Just looking at yours is so satisfying ughh 😩💕

[@HulaZombiex]

You’re an absolute angel for sharing your downloads folder with us! I’ve been working on it for two days and have never felt so inspired to keep my CC organised, thank you queen👏 👸

[@starLight-kr7ft]

Wooow I never knew this! Thank you so much... may CC folders are a mess! That's why it loads a long time. Thanks you so much

[@heathermatthies3638]

As a technical trainer in science, i give you a 11 out if 10 on this. Bravo 👏👏👏👏

[@callmeobsequious]

For the mods folders I literally just used the mods list on your site to organize because that makes it easier for me lol. That's just how I organize mods in my head now.

[@pleasemyfavorite]

Cindy!!! You are amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your DL folder. I wanted to do this for so long and never saw YOUR folder in the description box! You saved me hours. Appreciate you so much.

[@Samenameasme]

Thank you!! I went from a 41min load time to a 6min load time :) (timed it before doing it to see if it made a difference and BOY DID IT) I also just put my images in a random desktop folder (all labeled) so I can easily refer back to them if I ever needed to :)

[@Samenameasme]

It did take me HOURS to organise but it was so worth it to not compromise on my CC 👍🏻

[@netza6705]

Thank you for the tip about testing out new cc with a separate game. So logic and simple. Why have I never thought of that? Lol. I find it hard to keep track of new CC with Sims 2, much easier with Sims 4 cause I go through everything with Sims 4 Studio first and can easy keep track of new things with that... Wish there was something as simple to Sims 2.

[@elizabeththomas6571]

Cindy I love love love your channels! You are super informative beyond words for me to express. Thank you for everything that you do and put out there. Keep up the best work out there!

[@ntrg3248]

Manipulating the alphapetical order is a great idea! When I get into TS2 again I can't wait to use CC for the first time!

[@darski28]

I started playing Sims2 again because of you Cindy!!

[@Tomaszbe71]

If you have two drives on your computer and the drive where your system is installed is smaller than the drive for games and etc. you can change your Documents folder location to the bigger drive without losing data!

[@rir4820]

i cant even play sims 2 but i still watched, i love your voice! your videos are so cheerful

[@moyokean]

I do my folders by content type & creator, so for example Clothing-Adult-Male-DeeDee would be one folder, or Makeup-Blush-Veranka and so on.

[@ankelerm94]

Thank you SO much for all of effort that you put into this and allowing us to copy your file names!

[@diannalysims3702]

You are honestly the BEST, Cindy! I actually organise my folder with subfolders oops 😅 had no idea it took up loading time! Been needing to reorganise my folder for months now, thanks for the empty one!

[@olivia6808]

I just got the sims 2 and just started downloading the cc I’m so happy I saw this video because I can do this at the very beginning

[@hummingwires]

I have been following all of your guides since getting back into the sims 2, you are a total icon, and so helpful love your content! sims 2 on origin now!

[@br0ken333]

You have no idea how much of a savior you are!!! thank you so much for your tips and for sharing our love for the sims 2

[@eyad.mekdadi]

13:46 THIS MADE ME LAUGH SO MUCH because its does happen to me a lot and I download a lot of stuff from the same website then get smacked of the way it looked in the game

[@megal0maniac]

keeping this in mind for when i’m mentally prepared to organize my cc 😝

[@Miakeema]

Never known you could do this! Mind blown. My folder is a hot mess, but I can’t wait to go through and organize it now.

[@Qyueri]

We are waiting for your sims 3 videos too Cindy! Ily 🤍

[@peggyschuster6963]

i've been watching this vid and looking at my cc folder and i realised that my folder has spaces AND - (i got the template from jessa, i think), omg. i also didn't know about the remove part of the bulk rename utility. thanks for the vid, it's very informational! :D

[@mdsims9229]

Thanks to your last video about CC other videos about making the sims 2 work and your streams I'm finally back in the sims 2 and this video is perfect for me right now, thanks! 😊 (not leaving TS4 anyways, I can enjoy both)

[@Osnapitzjaej]

omg thank u so much for this tutorial

[@CarolinaNaiade]

I was waiting this video! Thanks for the tips 🥰🥰🥰

[@rain51dbb]

You're a lifesaver, thank you for the amazing tips.

[@PleasantSims]

Happy to help!

[@patricias4fun]

You are fantastic! Why? Well I'm sure there are many reasons but when it comes to these videos frankly I am very impressed. You are clear on what you say, you make sure we know what you mean by showing us, you provide us with information on programs that help AND show how to use said program enough to do what you are telling us will help, and what I consider one of the most important things a youtuber could do for us is link us with the websites we need. Like I said you are fantastic! Thanks for doing all this!

[@sarinkaq]

you deserve so much more support! love your channel 💘

[@abnersantos7137]

I just found your channel and i have to say that I'm loving your content, you're very good at explaining the many topics about the franchise and your passion for the sims is all around. New fan! Edit: I always thought about producing something for youtube, just for fun, and your simplicity yet passion inspired me a lot!

[@RitoReyes2033]

Congrats on 54k omg been here since 32k and look at you now ❤

[@annalein9910]

You are my personal sim-life-saver, Cindy! ♥ My folder is messy af and after watching this I know what to do next :D You kinda inspired me to get things organized once in my life :D My game is loading one hour with 21.000 items in my download folder and there is another folder with 44.000 unused items because with all items together my game wouldn't even load...there's some work to do :D

[@YeaNo.]

This is tempting I've gotta try this. I love having my CC organized!

[@CaityRaindrop]

These are coming out the perfect time for me I just downloaded my ult collection again, now I need a tutorial on how to install clean ui (I think I messed up the cursors) and lots

[@xarenanotmyrealname4134]

Ever thought of doing a video on Sims Medieval? I personally love that game and I'm kinda curious how hardcore old school sim player's feel about it as I'm still pretty new to Sims I only have Sims 3 and Medieval.

[@sneksnek8091]

Thank you for the file, lifesaver. I have very tight schedule for playing Sims and it would take me at least a year to do it manually

[@mistercritter]

I just discovered another utility called Delphy's Download Organizer to sort all my files from the last several years into neatly organized folders. Windows Explorer is terrible at sorting and filtering package files, but this application knows all the bins and categories, so you can grab them by each download type and move 100's of files at a time!

[@LordiAwa]

Your videos made/make my gaming experience in Sims2 soo much better ♥ I love your videos.

[@andreasamardzija1496]

Keeping this in mind if i ever get the game back