TS2 is so easy to me now, that I could probably do stuff in my sleep. First when they are standing outside waiting to go in the house, stop all the socializing, send them to the bathroom. Don't let anyone cook anything. Make someone serve Cereal for breakfast. Send the kids on to school if the bus arrives. Get them out of the way because you want the adults to meet the neighbors and spend a lot of time socializing with them because in TS1 and TS2 Sims need friends for promotions.
Unlike TS1, TS2 Sims will at least talk to your Sim if you make that phone call and not curse out your Sim because they interrupted their TV program....lol. TS1 is harder than all four of them. TS4 players complain of how easy it is to build relationships and get married or whatever in TS4. They should try TS1 and find out how hard Maxis could actually make it, if they keep requesting different opposing relationship points. One Sim feeling closer to the other Sim than vice versa. TS1 is a very true and best example of just how hard Maxis made the game in the beginning.
After the Sims have eaten something, I make them watch TV..the cooking channel to at least get one cooking point. It gains fun and comfort and a cooking skill. Easy Peasy.
Don't let anyone cook anything without a smoke alarm in the rooms that have a stove, a kid stove and or a fireplace. I learned that lesson twenty years ago. On day one.
There is absolutely no reason at all any Sim should die in TS2 on the day they move in. It's not that hard, TS1, yes, never TS2.
No cooking until they have some cooking points and then there is still a risk of fire burning up your Sim if they cook something for the first time. Salads, sandwiches and cereal...and no grilling outside without smoke alarms.
As stated before, Active Sims take more care, they need more food, more sleep, more hygiene requirements. Sloppy Sims won't care they are that dirty, and or the house. Lazy Sims need more comfort and want to lounge a lot...let them it builds comfort faster than sitting. And remember furniture matters, the points on furniture and appliances matter in TS2 and were very low in TS1...it was very hard to find any chair in TS1 that was above 3 points and then those Sims won't stay seated when commanded. At least TS2 Sims will sit until you make them stop. :)
