So I am going to credit Marie Kondo on this one, if something doesn’t “spark joy” then what is the point of keeping it? You mentioned that the sight of the bags on your shelf gives you anxiety and that negative energy isn’t serving anyone any good. I am also going to mention that I too have moved from a big city to a small town and back thrice over criss crossing the country, continent and even a few brief stints overseas. Each move meant there was a period of acclimation to the local culture and social norms. Maybe take some time to reflect and see how you feel in a couple of months? Hasty decisions are not always the best ones. Perhaps then you keep the bags with the most sentimental value and then filter out the rest. Just my 2cents.
Would you downsize after moving?
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Only you will know if you should ultimately sell, but based on everything you said, I agree with those who say hold off until you've given yourself more time to settle in. Or, if you feel really anxious each time you look at your closet, maybe you can find some middle ground and just sell one or pieces. Perhaps another option is to maybe carry some of the less loud, non-mono pieces for a while as you transition to this new area. DE and DA may not be as recognized where you are?
When I moved to the Midwest, I found that it was the hardest adjustment I had ever had. I've lived in many states across the country, and the Midwest, for me, was the toughest. I live here now, but it took years to feel settled.
I'm in an area that I would say is more Michael Kors/Coach/Coach Outlet than designer. When I started getting into designer bags I also felt self-conscious. But then the first time I went to a Pure Barre class, I saw like three LVs stuffed into cubbies
And while the nearest LV store is 90 minutes away, every time I go there, it's packed. So fellow luxury handbag enthusiasts are around me, but it's just harder to spot. As time goes on, I also find myself caring less and less what others think, so it's all working out.
My final thought is -- will you travel? If yes, would you miss traveling with your bags? My sisters live in California and I admit that I feel much more comfortable carrying my designer bags when I'm visiting them. It's almost harder to spot non-designer than designer in some areas out there, so there's no concern about feeling self-conscious.
Good luck with your decision!
When I moved to the Midwest, I found that it was the hardest adjustment I had ever had. I've lived in many states across the country, and the Midwest, for me, was the toughest. I live here now, but it took years to feel settled.
I'm in an area that I would say is more Michael Kors/Coach/Coach Outlet than designer. When I started getting into designer bags I also felt self-conscious. But then the first time I went to a Pure Barre class, I saw like three LVs stuffed into cubbies
And while the nearest LV store is 90 minutes away, every time I go there, it's packed. So fellow luxury handbag enthusiasts are around me, but it's just harder to spot. As time goes on, I also find myself caring less and less what others think, so it's all working out.My final thought is -- will you travel? If yes, would you miss traveling with your bags? My sisters live in California and I admit that I feel much more comfortable carrying my designer bags when I'm visiting them. It's almost harder to spot non-designer than designer in some areas out there, so there's no concern about feeling self-conscious.
Good luck with your decision!
I live in the Midwest, closest LV is 3 hours from me. When I see LV or Chanel bags out I get giddy because I never see them. Possibly some of the attention you’re getting is due to that.
Personally I wouldn’t sell.
Personally I wouldn’t sell.
I would sit on them a while. I understand what you're talking about. However I don't think most people where I live recognize anything besides blatant Louis Vuitton logo bags. Prices only seem to be increasing so maybe wait a year and see what you use in your new life.
I wouldn’t sell because of others, but if you have pieces you no longer love or use, then sell. I purged a bunch of bags after I moved and used the money to buy a new one! I also wanted to slim down my collection and got rid of a ton.
No way! Especially since you have collected those bags over the years. Honestly, you don't know if you will move again in the future - also, I'm sure you'll want to use them when you travel. I wouldn't bat an eye if people stared at me. If you love the bag, keep the bag! I would bet most of them won't even know what brand you're wearing.
I recently sold my house and bought a loft. I moved from a town outside of the city to the downtown area. I downsized my minimal collection. I had 15 bags mostly LV and put 9 of them on the resale market. And bought 3 higher priced LV new bags that were on my wishlist for a few years. And two Hermes SLGS that were also on my wishlist.
I downsized because I wanted to carry my bags more regularly, but do not downsize out of other's actions. Do so if it will make you happier in the long run.
I downsized because I wanted to carry my bags more regularly, but do not downsize out of other's actions. Do so if it will make you happier in the long run.
I recently went on a vacation to a very earthy, casual location. I wore my city mouse duds and bags and felt so out of place! No one was rude or purposely made me feel bad, but I felt weird and I didn't like it. If I moved to an area like that, even for 5 years, I'd probably downsize to my most favorite bags and wait it out while carrying bags like my Loewe Puzzle, Epi Petite Noe, or Celine which are not very noticeable, but are lovely to me.
If it makes you happy to wear them then use them all and don't worry about what others think. If you feel disinterested and don't want to use them then by all means sell them. I'd put them away for a few months, see how you feel about not using them - you might want to keep them all ( or sell some).
Thanks everyone for the sound advice. After some soul searching, I've decided to let go of the bags that no longer bring me joy, even some of the items that I've been holding onto solely because they are "classic" pieces. Going forward need to practice more intentional consumerism. Less is more. 
You're not alone. I'm also curating my collection as well. I'm keeping mostly classic & timeless pieces + whatever brings me joy.
I've been downsizing my luxury items since the beginning of the pandemic last year. It's not easy to let go since I'm a hoarder lol
There's no reason for me to keep so many bags and mostly unused/brand new or barely use. Also, I'm planning to move later this year so the least I bring with me, the better. I'm also doing one in, one out too.
Good luck!
I've been downsizing my luxury items since the beginning of the pandemic last year. It's not easy to let go since I'm a hoarder lol
There's no reason for me to keep so many bags and mostly unused/brand new or barely use. Also, I'm planning to move later this year so the least I bring with me, the better. I'm also doing one in, one out too.Good luck!