I've been using the same follower for some time now and she is carrying some of my stuff. I just started a Quest where I got assigned a new follower and the old one began to wander off. When I went to talk to her to "trade items" (and get my stuff back) that was no longer an option. What happens in this case to the stuff a follower is carrying for you? Do I have to load an earlier save and grab my stuff before I get switched over?

TIA.

She will still have the stuff (usually, I have had items disappear for no apparent reason ocasionally)

When you've done the quest with your assigned follower you will be able to rehire her and get the stuff back (possibly costing you another 500 gold if shes a merc)