Backing up lots and families with the CC for cleaning purposes

[Forumcat]

I'm hoping I'm not screwed!

I went a bit ham when I was setting up my Sims (I've been without a PC for a reeeeeeeeally long time and got excited) and have realised that while my actual PC could probably handle what's going on with my mods situation, this loaner one for sure Cannot.

I'd like to save my lots/families/ideally just the whole play world (but this can be flexed on) somewhere so I can re-install, properly clean up the game, and then add the world back in with its attached CC, so I ensure those used pieces go right into the new install.  Problem is, I'm pretty on top of clearing my caches, and it's my understanding that doing so can cause CC to not package with sims/lots/etc

How do I solve that, though?  I don't want to save my ccmerged file, as it's all bloated and I know it doesn't shrink back down with uninstallations.  Ergo, I can't just back up the whole documents folder and drop it back in after re-install. 

Is there a way to clear out the ccmerge file with a package editor, maybe?  Something like that?

Any help super appreciated!!

EDIT: also, if anyone knows where S3Pe and Kuree's Cleaner hang out these days, that would be appreciated.  I feel like maybe I could muddle through if I could find them, but, alas

[MrsFlynn]

There isn't any way to clear out the ccmerged.package as far as I know. Though a full reinstall of your store content/custom content would help with creating a new ccmerged file.

To be sure you have all your Sims 3 files backed up. You can save the whole folder found in:
\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3

This is how I start with my backup.

If you want to save specific files/folders see this post:
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31911.msg507831#msg507831

Saving houses and Sims with their CC is a bit tricky. -- This is how I do it.

I usually save the house normally. Here's a how to.
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19062.msg356791#msg356791

I do take note of what CC is being used, and backup those files. I add the CC files and house file together in a folder with the house name on it.

You can sometimes save the family with their CC attached.  Here's a how to on saving a household.
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19060.msg356789#msg356789

There's a chance that the CC will stay attached, but sometimes it doesn't.

I take note of what CC is being used on the Sim and backup those files. I add the CC files and Sim file together in a folder with the Sim's name on it.

Here are some links you were asking about. I added one (package viewer) to the mix, because it's a handy tool.

It's a known issue that Kuree's Save Cleaner may cause some issues with those who play Sims 3 using the 1.69 patch. So I am sharing a how to that shares a couple versions of Kuree's Cleaners.  You can see which one works best for you.

LeeAlee's Sims 3 - Kuree’s TS3 Save Cleaner How To
https://leealeesims3.wordpress.com/2017/07/16/kurees-ts3-save-cleaner/

There's also another save cleaner -

Regul Save Cleaner
https://modthesims.info/d/652440

It's encouraged to read up on this cleaner before using it and back up any save you plan to clean at least for temporary while cleaning the saves. Once finished and all has been checked and good. Then backup can be safely deleted.

S3pe
http://www.simlogical.com/s3pe.htm

Package Viewer by Kuree
http://www.simlogical.com/ContentUploadsRemote/uploads/1953/

Hopefully all of this helps!!