Take a look inside – NBC Los Angeles

At the age of 32, after 12 years of living rent-free with my parents in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was ready to move into my own apartment.

I had $400,000 saved and the flexibility to make the leap, but whether it was an uncertain income stream, wanderlust, or the financial benefits of staying put, something was holding me back. Until November 2023, when I visited a friend at their apartment complex in Fremont, California.

When I entered, I felt at home. As fate would have it, when I left, I met my friend’s neighbors, a couple breaking their lease. My gut feeling told me that this was the right time.

After a few hours and some formalities, I managed to sign a four-month sublease with them for $2,000 per year. month. It was the perfect transitional space. After the sublease ended in April, I moved into a 556-square-foot studio in the same complex for $2,146 a month.

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The building is 10 minutes from the studio I built on the site of my parents’ house where I teach my music students and less than a 10-minute drive from two of my favorite local Costco stores. This may seem like an odd amenity to look for in real estate, but for me it was a huge plus.

In total I spent over $5,000 to stock my place almost entirely with Costco products.

Why Costco means so much to me

Growing up, Costco was my family’s main shopping destination. And in 2013, I started walking all the time after work to browse the aisles and try out samples while waiting for rush hour traffic.

Over time, Costco has become more than just a store for me – it’s a place where I belong and feel like myself. My love for it inspired me to start an Instagram account, Costco Claudia.

Since launching in the winter of 2022, Costco Claudia has become a creative outlet and a source of income. The account primarily features videos of me modeling women’s clothing in the store. I currently have 191,000 followers and counting. While I have never worked directly with or for Costco, I have had partnerships with brands that are sold by the company.

I currently make about $7,000 a month as an influencer and $5,000 a month from my job as a piano teacher.

One of the most surprising and rewarding parts of this experience was the incredible positivity I received from my Costco Claudia community. They offered so much comfort and solidarity when I felt most alone, especially when I learned about my PMDD and came to terms with living on my own.

Their support helped me survive the most difficult moments.

Check out my cozy California studio

I spend about $102 a month on utilities: $27 for water and garbage collection, $30 for internet, and $45 for electricity. Take a look inside:

My kitchen is a place where you can refuel and get ready for the day

Over the years, I’ve collected a lot of discounted items from Costco sales: glasses, plates, bowls, my NutriBullet, a Brita filter, and tons of snacks.

In my kitchen, I really rely on the coffee maker and the “work table” in the garage – both available at Costco – which also double as my kitchen table. It’s durable and looks great with the faux fur I use to upholster the chairs.

In the living room I surround myself with greenery and music

After a long day of teaching, I like to relax in my cozy living room. My forest of growing monsteras and succulents adds a bit of greenery and peace to the space.

I like to lie on the couch and lose myself in classical music on my piano. Surrounded by blankets, sheepskin rugs, pillows and a stylish tray, it’s the perfect way to recharge after a busy day.

My bathroom is both luxurious and pragmatic

There are essentials in my bathroom that I can’t live without: gold hoop earrings, two pairs of glasses, and contact lenses that I wear every day.

When I moved out, I found all the basics I needed at Costco: towels, hand towels, shower curtain, soap dispenser, and mats. When allergy season hits, tissue paper is a lifesaver because it’s sold in bulk.

The real gem in my bathroom is the perfume that is usually $200 in other stores and $69.99 at Costco. I have two of them and they have become my favorite scents.

My bedroom is an oasis of peace

My $250 bed frame paired with a $500 mattress is incredibly comfortable. I have two sets of Kirkland Signature 680 Thread Count sheets that I grabbed when they went on sale. I love my down blanket and I have another favorite that I got for $12.

I store my Costco pajamas in the woven side baskets to keep everything neat and organized. I also love my Shark Roomba, which cleans my apartment when I’m away.

Outdoor space with possibility

The outdoor space is not fully furnished yet. For now, the centerpiece is my Costco paddle board.

I moved in over the winter, but now that summer is here, I hope to add more space soon. I have my eye on a few discounted patio sets.

My apartment may be small and cozy, but it is a testament to the possibilities of sharing my passion with others. Ultimately, this space truly feels like mine. I have created an oasis here.

Claudia Chee is a Bay Area resident and former Google employee turned entrepreneur. Today, she is a piano teacher, business owner, and Klaudia’s Music Studioand social media influencer who likes to share her love for Costco on Instagram.

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