What to Do With Awkward Spaces (and Why Most People Get Them Wrong)

Awkward spaces are rarely the result of poor design. More often, they’re the result of spaces that were never given a clear purpose in the first place. When a space doesn’t have a job, it becomes frustrating to use and even harder to keep organized.

Here are 5 master tips for adjusting how you approach awkward spaces to work with them instead of against:

1. Decide the job before you organize

Before adding storage or moving items around, decide exactly what the space is meant to do. Awkward spaces function best when they’re given one specific role rather than being asked to handle multiple categories at once.

A narrow cabinet might be best suited for supplies you reach for frequently. A deep shelf works better when it’s reserved for items that belong to a single category. When the job is clear, the organization becomes much easier to maintain.

2. Prioritize access over symmetry

One of the most common mistakes we see is organizing awkward spaces to look balanced instead of to work efficiently. These spaces often require uneven layouts, staggered placement, or vertical use in order to be functional. If you can’t easily reach or see what’s stored in a space, it won’t stay organized. Accessibility should always come before visual symmetry, especially in areas that are already difficult to use.

3. Work with the depth, not against it

Deep cabinets and shelves are a common source of frustration, largely because items get pushed to the back and forgotten. Instead of trying to fill the entire depth at once, break it into manageable sections and keep like items grouped together. When depth is acknowledged and intentionally managed, these spaces become far more usable and much easier to reset.

4. Use vertical space deliberately

Awkward spaces often have more vertical potential than horizontal. Tall, narrow areas benefit from being organized top to bottom rather than side to side, especially when the footprint is limited. Stacking without structure tends to fail over time. Vertical organization works best when each layer has a clear boundary and purpose.

5. Edit more than you store

Awkward spaces magnify clutter quickly. Because they’re less forgiving than standard storage areas, they work best when only the most necessary items are kept inside them. If a space consistently feels crowded or chaotic, the issue is often volume, not layout. Editing down before organizing makes a noticeable difference.

A final note

Awkward spaces don’t need to be eliminated or hidden. With the right approach, they can become some of the most efficient areas in a home. Clear purpose, thoughtful access, and realistic expectations are what make these spaces work, not perfection or uniformity.

Happy Organizing,

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