Update 8/16/15
I have replicated the removal of inventory items from various sims on different lots now multiple times, it seems to be specific to when items are on the Sims themselves, not in regards to when they are in containers such as say, a refrigerator.
Things I have tested so far:
- Moving huge amounts of fruits/vegetables/herbs from Sim inventory into Refrigerator, then re-loading the game (Same lot) seems to reduce the memory usage for that lot. (For example, I love to grow Grapes/Blackberries, so I have a huge amount of them on my Sims. If I put these into the refrigerator, this seems to resolve memory load on the lot they are in.) This also works with selling the items instead of just putting them somewhere else. (There is a slight problem with this resolution, as if you put items into your fridge, you can't use them if you go to the Science Career location. Perhaps there can be a fix implemented to correct this, or perhaps allow for these items to be used from a Household Inventory?)
- Moving multiple items out of inventory (Not just large stacks of items, but a large collection such as various serums, spoiled food, upgrade parts, collectibles, fish, etc.) seems to reduce load time as well, especially when opening/closing inventory.
- Changing between lots seems to be a good troubleshooting step as well, forcing the previous lot that was played to initialize. This is good for lots that have a lot of work put into them and have started crashing regularly. Switch to another lot, then back to your main lot. (Note: Another bug has been found in this if you play various lots, namely your Sims that are supposed to be at work will appear at home, and will be considered late for work.)
Hope these findings help, they really opened a lot of possibilities for me!
- B