Space matters.

“Different from a decluttering service, I approach a job as if the space is a blank canvas.” These are the words of Michal Kohn, OTR/L, licensed occupational therapist and owner of Organize by Michal. “Besides the usual need to declutter, sort and create systems, the first step is always to determine how to optimize a space for maximum functionality and longevity.”

In close collaboration with the client, Kohn analyzes what is not working and will then strategize how to make the space thrive for the business to provide a calmer and more functional work environment. This process is unique to each client and to each space. The space plan that Kohn develops draws out the optimal and aesthetically ideal potential use of that space.

“Whether it’s to create shelving, install customized systems, or bring in a contractor to build closets, our main goal is to help the business save time and to create or enhance their efficiency by introducing storage systems and organizational systems that liberate more time for employees to be productive. Organizing is my passion and aside from just making the space beautiful, I love to figure out different ways we can maximize the use of that space. Being a bit of a perfectionist myself, I’ll work to see the job through until the vision is complete,” said Kohn.

As a single mother, Kohn explained that she also strives to manage her home in a systematic way that promotes peace of mind and structure to the sacred space that embraces her family life. By having a system for everything, the home environment makes routines with children smoother and more predictable for them. Having their toys sorted, labeled and organized allows for more enjoyable playtime, easier cleanup, and an overall feeling of serenity. Having strong systems in place provides stability and comfort. Kohn explained, “I came to an understanding of how important organized spaces are, if only for aesthetic purposes. However, it also became apparent how it translates into more efficient day-to-day routines.”

Kohn’s perspective evolved naturally into a passion for how she could make a difference for businesses by saving them time and money and creating individualized systems that work specifically to provide peace of mind in a work setting that promotes calmness and structure.

“Because I am an occupational therapist myself, applying this skill is one part of my job. Doing this type of organizing adds a unique perspective in the use of my skills that can make any business more functional,” she shared.

Recently, Kohn provided her services to a large occupational therapy practice. She reorganized every individual resource they had, such as the visual/perceptual motor and speech planning categories, as well as many other resource materials. Since she knows how to categorize such resources, her services are particularly valuable and beneficial to therapy gyms. As a therapist, she understands how kids need to learn, what will be functional for them and how clean, neat and open spaces can benefit children. “It’s good for children, all children; it’s good for adult children as well!

“What I love most about this work is the genuine happiness and sense of peace that clients express when they see the finished project, a space that is completely transformed. The relief engendered is visible, even tangible, knowing they can now work in a space that is custom designed to facilitate long-term success. Frequently their offices, therapy gyms or spaces are so cluttered that they don’t even know what equipment they have. That actually contributes to making their work unnecessarily challenging, and robs them of precious time that could otherwise be used more productively. I encourage clients to open the space and remove clutter buildup, thus creating unique customized systems that I design for their specific space. Clients often relate that they feel a weight has been lifted off their chest and can breathe easier.”

Any company or business can benefit from Organize by Michal: home offices, medical practices, and therapy gyms or stores. “Every business deserves to have the peace of mind that comes with an organized space.

“One of my favorite projects was Kid Clan, a therapy gym located in Passaic,” reported Kohn. “Kid Clan is known for its amazing therapists, warm and happy environment and is extremely well-known and popular. When Dina Leiter, the owner, reached out to me explaining how the lack of organization takes a toll on the fast pace in which the therapists need to retrieve therapy toys and equipment; I was really excited to get to work. Dozens of children are treated there daily. The space was so cluttered that it added a challenge to the work environment. By redesigning the space, we created unique systems for each room, completely transforming the space, giving each item a home and providing an enduring organized solution.”

Chaya Hyman, occupational therapist at Kid Clan, exclaimed, “We’ve had Kid Clan over 10 years and had so many organizers come in and out, but what you did was so out of the box and unique, I felt like I walked in and was able to breathe! My mind felt so organized and the kids feel so much less distracted. We can see what we have and provide services in a space that just makes sense.”

To set up an appointment to evaluate your space or for more information, reach out via email at [email protected] or by calling Michal at (347) 623-3729.

Ellie Wolf is a longtime staff writer with The Jewish Link. She frequently writes about health and health-related business topics, with a lifetime career history as a healthcare provider herself.

She also provides specialized training for adults who are afraid of the water, as well as for local and international mikvah associations in the training of mikvah attendants on the compassionate and effective management of this issue with clients.