Has anyone permanently switched from big bags to small?

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I've been wearing my smaller bags a bit more lately. My kids are a bit bigger now so I don't have to carry their stuff with me, except for a small package of wet wipes that always come in handy. A wallet, phone, a few makeup items and keys. That is all I actually need and I find a small bag a bit more ladylike.

My three small LV pieces are Mini Looping ( from ages ago if anyone remembers), Favorite MM and a pochette old model. I also have a Fendi bag that is small and perfect for everyday use.

But I used big bags for so long that I now feel a bit strange with just a small bag. Like something is missing. Like I should have more stuff with me, just in case. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing a real bag, if you know what I mean. Maybe this is just a question of getting used to it. I really want to (more or less) permanently switch to small bags for my everyday wear.

What has been your experience? Do you miss your bigger bags and what they can hold, or are you happy with your small arm candy?
I can't, I love my big bags and def need them in my collection.
 
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What has been your experience? Do you miss your bigger bags and what they can hold, or are you happy with your small arm candy?
My bags are "shrinking", and I'm becoming a stickler for function, but there are 2 problems that I'm encountering:

1) Sometimes it's a pain to wiggle my hand into the bag when I'm trying to get something out, and I'm not a patient person.
2) There is no PERFECT form and function bag, and I need to deal with my issues*....lol

This is my to T. On a daily basis, I carry either my PM or Pallas clutch. I have a few large bags when I need it haul a lot of stuff around or when I travel. I have found that as I get older, the weight hurts me and going smaller has helped. My two favorite larger bags are my City Steamer and my Givenchy Pandora medium. Both can hold my IPad. It is hard to "downsize" because you think you are going to miss stuff. With the smaller bags, they stay cleaner and I really don't miss all of the stuff I always thought I needed. My PM holds so much more than I expected. I have to be careful not to over pack it. It is easier to move around with the smaller bags.

I have started downsizing my purse collection because I tend to buy a bag and then forget to use it because the function is bad. So for me, function is the most important thing. Next is how it looks on me. I'm a bigger gal so some small bags look funny. But, you have to be happy with what you decide.
 
Neverful and speedy 40 were bags of choice during my working years. But when I stepped away from work to be a full time caregiver for my father I downsized to carrying only what I need small wallet, phone, keys lipstick. The pochette nm with a crossbody strap holds all this and then some. On the days when I'm taking my parent to the dr I still use my Speedy. Now I'm on a quest for something a bit larger to hold a kindle and few more toiletries. Thinking the pochette metis in noir might be my next bag.
 
Neverful and speedy 40 were bags of choice during my working years. But when I stepped away from work to be a full time caregiver for my father I downsized to carrying only what I need small wallet, phone, keys lipstick. The pochette nm with a crossbody strap holds all this and then some. On the days when I'm taking my parent to the dr I still use my Speedy. Now I'm on a quest for something a bit larger to hold a kindle and few more toiletries. Thinking the pochette metis in noir might be my next bag.

I'm glad to hear that downsizing can be done. And what a wonderful, noble thing you are doing for your father.
 
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I stopped carrying large bags since I noticed they were aggravating my neck issues. I miss the look of a larger bag, but I enjoy the freedom of a smaller bag. Alma PM is as big as I have right now, but most days I try to get away with a clutch or wristlet. I have a Minkoff Julian backpack if I'm going somewhere with my son and need to pack a little heavier since it balances the weight on my shoulders best.
 
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A few people have mentioned pain caused by heavy bags. I also feel the pain in my back and shoulders when wearing a big bag after a few days break. For some reason I always find ways to fill a big bag and most of the time don't need all that stuff. That's why I am trying to stick to my essentials. I think in my case it really is a habit of taking a lot with me, rather than need.
 
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I was in a head-on car accident and suffered nerve damage from my neck to my fingers, in addition to rotator cuff tears in both shoulders. Before my accident, I adored my Neverfull, Melie and thought I could handle a Retiro. After I was hit, I had to accept my new reality- I just couldn't (and still can't) handle the weight.
Slightly smaller bags work for very short periods of time, but I still have to switch shoulders often and can't crossbody the longer straps.
I have had to downsize to waist bags (fanny packs) for day long outings. I've had to search for feminine stylish packs (I cannot give up my luxury)- I've found some that can be thrown over my shoulder, with an illusion of being a small shoulder bag. When I start to feel pain or have to take public transportation; around the waist the pack goes and then I'm truly hands-free.
Although I never carried a lot in my larger bags, it was nice to know I had extra space for purchases or a bulky hard-shell sunglasses case.
It was difficult at first to downsize- my reading glasses are now in a soft pouch and I carry a card sleeve and small coin purse, in lieu of a wallet.
Going lightweight and hands free feels so good! It's worth it.
 
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