Here's how you can reclaim some of your closet space

Ask apartment dwellers one problem they'd most like to address about apartment life and you're likely to hear many, if not most, groan about their relative lack of closet space. While renting has its benefits, the dearth of closet space renters routinely must live with is one disadvantage they have versus their home-owning counterparts.

While renters might have limited options with respect to how far they can go to improve their closet space, there are ways to create more space in even the tiniest of closets. All it takes is some creativity to make the most out of existing closets.

"¢ Add a second clothing rod. Closet space can be doubled by simply adding a second rod. And doing so does not require nailing anything into the walls, which should keep landlords happy as well. A second clothing rod works best when hanging shorter items, such as skirts or jackets. Those with two closets should reserve one closet for longer items (such as dresses) and the other for smaller items.

"¢ Purchase over-door racks. While some people might feel over-door racks have too much of a college dorm room feel, for renters with scarce closet space, that's simply a concern they must live with. Over-door racks can be thrown over the back of any closet door and do not need to be nailed in, another benefit for those who don't want to upset their landlord.

"¢ Consider closet cubes. Closet cubes can also be a wonderful asset when trying to maximize closet space. Short and often stackable, closet cubes come in a variety of sizes and can hold a number of items. Consider storing seasonal items, such as sweaters, in these closet cubes during the seasons you won't be wearing them. Simply rearrange your closet with what's in season to avoid digging through your closet cubes on a daily basis.

"¢ Use hangable shoe racks. Shoe racks can be hung on a closet rod to reduce the amount of space shoes and sneakers take up. Because footwear is typically stored on a closet floor, this can eliminate valuable storage room for items such as luggage or even closet cubes. A shoe rack can help this space be used to maximize a closet's efficiency.

"¢ Clear out the clutter. Clothing items that haven't seen the light of day in years populate the closets of people across the country. While parting can be sweet sorrow, it can also be a great way to make more room in a cluttered closet. Homeowners can afford to be nostalgic when it comes to their clothes, but apartment dwellers must buck up and clear the closet clutter to make the most of their closet space.