Today we’d like to introduce you to Trisha Counterman.
Hi Trisha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
ECO Consulting & Organizing was created to combine my love of organizing with my passion for being environmentally friendly. I have always been a natural planner, with strong organizational skills & meticulous attention to detail. Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt happiest spending time with animals or at the beach. My love of animals and nature is what has driven me to make sustainable swaps to my own lifestyle and is the true inspiration for my business. Most of my work before starting ECO was in management: retail, project, operations. I was inspired by Marie Kondo’s KonMari method of organizing, or “tidying” and in 2021, I decided to become a certified KonMari consultant. Her approach of only keeping items that “spark joy” while letting go of what no longer serves you, truly resonated with me. I also love that her method is more sustainable than typical organizing methods which rely heavily on plastic containers. In 2023, I left my full time job as an operations manager when I relocated to TN for a military move with my husband. I decided that would be the perfect time to focus on what I am most passionate about: organizing in a way that is kinder to the planet. In addition to organizing services, I recently began offering workshops to help the community learn about the KonMari method and explore topics related to organization: decluttering, the impact clutter can have on one’s mental health, downsizing, and how to approach major life transitions. I love being able to help my clients find more peace and ease in their life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Moving to a brand new state, from the place I lived my entire life thus far, was a huge struggle. It was a tremendous adjustment on a personal level. It was also much harder to fully launch a new business in a place where I didn’t know anyone. I quickly had to step out of my comfort zone, learn how to network and connect with new people effectively, and build trust in a new community.
We’ve been impressed with ECO Consulting & Organizing , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ECO Consulting & Organizing offers customizable organization services to individuals, families, and small businesses. I help my clients get organized and create systems that function for their lifestyle, with a focus on eco-conscious and sustainable solutions.
As a certified KonMari consultant, I am able to incorporate this world renowned method into my work. I guide clients through the process of envisioning their ideal lifestyle; this is a key component in achieving a space that supports your daily life. I show them how to “joy check” their items, which allows people to tune into what brings them joy in all areas of their life. This is a transformative process! Once people let go, with gratitude, of what no longer serves them, they are often better able to make other big changes in their life. In addition to my organization services, I offer move prep / move in setup services to help ease the stress of that transition.
At the core of everything I do, is my eco-friendly approach. I find innovative ways to reuse & repurpose items, ensuring that discarded items are being donated to local organizations that will directly benefit our community. I caution against buying organizational products before a client confronts their clutter. I help them avoid overconsumption and take a more intentional approach about what they bring into their home or business. I steer away from using plastic bins whenever possible and will use more natural resources (bamboo, glass, metal, etc.) Being kinder to the planet is something I am so passionate about. I am able to guide clients who are interested in learning how to make more sustainable swaps in their own life as well.
It is very easy to go to any home related store and purchase plastic bins and containers. I am proud that at ECO we really strive to move away from that expectation that a container will solve our organization problem. We are confronting overconsumption and doing our part to help clients avoid it as well. Our approach is more intentional & mindful, and oftentimes, can lead to even bigger changes in a client’s life. As Marie Kondo says, “Tidying is a powerful tool, but it’s not the destination. The true goal of tidying is to clear away clutter so you can live the life you want. ”
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the need for organization services will continue to grow. It’s a valuable tool for anyone, but particularly in the real estate market. Decluttering before a move can have a huge impact on how easily your home sells. Research suggests you may also be able to sell a home at a higher price point or more quickly if you declutter prior to listing. It can also save money by reducing the amount of items you need to physically move to your next home.
I think (and hope!) more organizers will embrace a sustainable approach. I am seeing many people, especially younger generations, avoiding overconsumption and being more mindful & intentional about their purchases. I think as a society, we are moving away from needing to have the latest trend and deciding what we actually enjoy along with what works for our specific lifestyle.
Customization is another big trend in organization, one that I foresee continuing. Unique storage solutions & multi functional furniture pieces are what consumers are looking for. I think more support for local businesses is also something that will continue to grow. This allows consumers to really curate pieces they bring into their home, rather than buying a standard shelving unit at a big box store.
Given the increasingly hectic pace at which most of us live these days, I think organization & decluttering is extremely beneficial, both from the perspective of making your home easier to maintain along with the peace of mind an organized, efficient space can bring. There really is a certain magic that happens when you learn how to let go and only surround yourself with things you love. It brings me immense joy to guide people through this process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theecoconsultant.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theecoconsultant/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theecoconsultant/
