At 32, after living rent-free with my parents in the San Francisco Bay Area for 12 years, I was ready to move into a place of my own.
I had $400,000 in savings and could have afforded to take the leap, but something was holding me back: an unstable income stream, wanderlust, and, most importantly, the financial benefits of settling down. That was until November 2023, when I visited a friend in his apartment in Fremont, California.
Once inside, it felt like home. As fate would have it, as I was leaving I met a couple who were breaking their lease, my friend's neighbors. My intuition told me that now was the time.
After a few hours and paperwork, I secured a four-month sublease from them for $2,000 per month. It was the perfect transitional space. Once the sublease ended, I moved in April to a 556-square-foot studio in the same complex for $2,146 per month.
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The property is 10 minutes away from my parents' converted studio where I teach my music students, and within a 10-minute drive of two beloved local Costco stores. While this may seem like an odd amenity to look for in a property, it was a huge asset to me.
In total, I've spent over $5,000 to outfit my home almost entirely with Costco products.
Resting in the living room.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
Why Costco is important to me
Costco was a must-visit shopping destination for my family when I was growing up, and in 2013 I started going there frequently after work to browse the aisles and try samples while waiting out rush-hour traffic.
Over time, Costco became more than just a store to me, it became a place where I belonged and could be myself. My love for Costco inspired me to start my Instagram account, “Costco Claudia.”
Since launching in winter 2022, Costco Claudia has become a creative outlet and a source of income. The account posts videos of her modeling women's clothing, primarily in stores, and currently has more than 191,000 followers. While she has never worked directly with Costco, she has partnered with brands the company sells.
Me in front of my favorite local Costco.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
I currently make around $7,000 a month as an influencer and $5,000 a month as a piano teacher.
One of the most surprising and delightful parts of this experience has been the incredible positivity I've received from the Costco Claudia community. They have given me so much comfort and solidarity, especially when I was learning about PMDD and starting to live alone, and feeling most alone.
Their support helped me get through the toughest times.
Take a peek into my cozy California studio
As for utilities, I pay about $102 a month: $27 for water and trash collection, $30 for internet, and $45 for electricity.
My kitchen is where I fuel up and prepare for the day.
Over the years, I've collected a lot of discounted items from Costco sales, including glasses, plates, bowls, NutriBullets, Brita filters, and lots of snacks.
One of my favorite items in my kitchen is my coffee machine.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
My two biggest kitchen go-tos are my coffee maker and my garage “workbench,” both of which I bought at Costco and use as my kitchen table. They're sturdy and work well with the faux sheepskin I use for the chair covers.
This workbench is one of my favorite finds.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
I am surrounded by greenery and music in my living room.
After a long day of teaching, I love to unwind in my cozy living room, and the lush forest of monstera and succulents adds a touch of greenery and tranquility to the space.
Music brings me great joy and this piano is often used in my home.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
I like to lie on the sofa and soak up the classical music on the piano. Surrounded by blankets, sheepskin rugs, pillows and a stylish tray, it's the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a busy day.
My bathroom is luxurious yet practical
My bathroom is pretty large for a small space, and I found most of the essentials at Costco.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
In my bathroom, I keep a few essential items that I can't live without: a pair of gold hoop earrings that I wear every day, two pairs of glasses, and contact lenses.
When I first moved in, I found all the basics I needed for my bathroom at Costco: towels, hand towels, shower curtain, soap dispenser, mat, etc. During allergy season, they have a huge tissue sale, which is a lifesaver.
A real bargain in my bathroom is a perfume that normally sells for $200 at other stores but is only $69.99 at Costco, I have two and they have become my favorite scents.
My bedroom is a haven
My $250 bed frame and $500 mattress combo are super comfortable. I have two Kirkland Signature 680 thread count sheet sets that I bought on sale. I love my down blanket, but I also have another favorite that I bought for $12.
I'm in my cozy bedroom.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
I keep my Costco pajamas in a woven side basket to keep everything neat and tidy, and I also love my Shark Roomba, which cleans my apartment when I'm not around.
Outdoor space with potential
The outdoor space isn't fully furnished yet; for now, a Costco paddleboard is the focal point.
I am so excited to be able to use my outdoor space and paddle boards this summer.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
We moved during the winter, but with summer fast approaching, we're hoping to expand our space soon, and we've been eyeing discounted outdoor patio sets.
The sweatshirt says it all.
Photo: Bart Vandever for CNBC Make It
My apartment may be small and cozy, but it's a testament to the opportunities I've had by sharing my passion with others. At the end of the day, this space truly feels like it's mine. I've created an oasis here.
Claudia Chi is a Bay Area native and former Googler turned entrepreneur who is now a piano teacher, owner of Claudia's Music Studio, and social media influencer who enjoys sharing her love for Costco on Instagram.
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