is there a way to safely delete save files but not to delete my whole game?

Hi @animedoglover

there's other folders you shouldn't delete

• Tray folder: All your Sims and houses in your library. They'll be gone if you delete that folder
• Screenshots: All your screenshots. They'll be gone if you delete
• Recorded Video: All videos you made. They'll be gone if you delete
• Custom Music and others

Here's a detailed explanation of what folder does what: http://sims4.crinrict.com/en/2014/09/user-files-explained/