Times are tough and you gotta do what you gotta do - even if that means living in the closet.

Just ask Sergio Santos, an architect with big dreams who lives in a tiny little space.

In order to be able to afford to eat, Santos, who lives in Delray Beach, negotiated with a man to rent out his closet. We won't repeat it again and yes, you read it right. Santos rents the closet for $150 a month, which is a steal, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

"I pay only $150 a month and I love it," Santos said.

This isn't one of those MTV Cribs "You can fit a family of four in my shoe closet" closets or a "There's a mean witch and a talking lion fantasy land" in the back of a spacious wardrobe.

The room itself is 5 1/2 by 14 feet - or just large enough to squeeze in an Oompa Loompa, but not big enough to fit Shaq's foot or Yao Ming's head. Santos can spread his arms and touch both walls.

Santos, who has designed housing projects, high rises and office buildings, retrofitted the tiny quarters to now have a bedroom, office and mini-kitchen. And don't think Santos goes without the pleasures of life. He has cable TV, Internet service, a computer, mini-fridge and a microwave.

The thrifty, extreme makeover cost him $64 using recycled parts. Santos lost his architect job in January and now is a waiter (and a mini miracle worker).

No word on if the 39-year old has chronic back pain or if he can ever use the line, "Wanna go back to my place?"

We wouldn't recommend it.