Nowadays I sort of do this with seafile. Select folders to sync, open the app every other time to resync stuff, carry on with your day. The only thing I wanted to take away if there is a better way to not have a massive hassle to reinstall everything in case something happens (and in case I forget to select a folder to sync also).
But your suggestion I think is very valid as well. At least for mint have a way to make a more automated installer or similar to get the stuff I use usually. Yet another rabbit hole to go into…