At 32 years old, I was ready to get my own place after living rent-free with my parents in the San Francisco Bay area for 12 years. I had saved $400,000 and was financially able to move out. However, various reasons held me back. Reasons like unpredictable income, a desire to travel, and the financial benefits of living with my parents held me back. However, all of these changed in November 2023 when I visited a friend at their apartment complex in Fremont, California. As soon as I entered the place, it immediately felt like home. I met my friend’s neighbors, who were ending their lease as I left. My instinct told me this was the perfect opportunity to move.
Costco-Furnished Studio: Moving In
After working out some necessary things for a few hours, I got a monthly four-month sublease for $2,000. This place was perfect for the transition I needed. When the sublease ended in April, I moved into the complex. My space is a 556-square-foot studio, and I pay $2,146 monthly.
The building is just 10 minutes from the studio at my parents’ house. There, I set up a place where I teach music lessons. It’s also less than a 10-minute drive from two nearby Costco stores. Although it might sound unusual as a real estate perk, it’s a big advantage for me.
Costco Claudia
I’ve spent more than $5,000 outfitting my home, mostly with products from Costco. Costco means so much to me. Let me tell you why. Growing up, my family always shopped at Costco, a big part of my childhood. In 2013, I started going there regularly after work to avoid rush hour traffic. I enjoyed wandering the aisles and trying samples.
Over time, Costco became more than just a store to me. It became a place where I felt at home and could be myself. My passion for Costco even led me to start an Instagram account called Costco Claudia.
Streaming Income from Costco Claudia
I started my social media account, Costco Claudia, in the winter of 2022. Since then, it has allowed me to express my creativity and earn money. On this account, I mainly share videos of myself modeling women’s clothes found in Costco. I now have 191,000 followers, and that number is still growing.
Although I haven’t worked directly with Costco, I’ve partnered with brands that sell their products there. As an influencer, I make around $7,000 a month, and I also earn $5,000 a month from my job as a piano teacher.
A Supportive Costco Claudia Community
One of the best and most unexpected parts of this journey has been the fantastic positivity I got. I’ve received a lot of incredible support and positivity from my Costco Claudia community. They provided a lot of comfort and solidarity. I got all these, especially when I felt really alone.
It also helped me when I learned about my Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and figured out how to live on my own. Their support has helped me through some of my most challenging times.
Furnishing with Costco Items
My utility bill costs around $102 a month. I pay $27 for water and trash collection, $30 for internet, and $45 for electricity.
My kitchen is where I get food and get ready for the day. Over the years, I’ve bought many discounted items during Costco sales. I bought things like glasses, plates, bowls, a NutriBullet, a Brita filter, and plenty of snacks. The two things I use the most in my kitchen are my coffee machine and a garage “work table.” I also got the table from Costco. It serves as my kitchen table and looks great with the faux fur sheepskins I use to cover my chairs.
Costco Claudia’s Haven
After a long day of teaching, I love to relax in my comfortable living room. I have many plants, like monsteras and succulents, which bring a soothing green vibe to the space. I often lie on my couch, wrapped in blankets and pillows. In this comfortable position, I listen to classical music that I play on my piano.
The cozy atmosphere, with sheepskin rugs and a stylish tray nearby, helps me unwind. More than that, it helps me recharge for the next day.
My Bathroom is Both Stylish and Practical
In my bathroom, I have some essentials I can’t live without. My gold hoop earrings, two pairs of glasses, and daily contact lenses are essential.
When I first moved out, I bought all the basic bathroom supplies from Costco. I got towels, hand towels, a shower curtain, a soap dispenser, and mats. During allergy season, the bulk tissue paper from Costco is a lifesaver. The best deal in my bathroom is a perfume that usually costs $200 but is only $69.99 at Costco. I bought two bottles, and they have become my favorite scents.
Claudia’s Cozy Retreat
My bedroom is a haven; it has a bed frame for $250 and a super comfy mattress for $500. I got two sets of soft Kirkland Signature 680 thread count sheets when they were on sale, which I really like. I also love my down blanket and another favorite blanket that I got for just $12.
My pajamas from Costco are kept neatly in woven side baskets, which helps keep everything tidy. Also, I have a Shark Roomba that cleans my apartment when I’m not around, which is really convenient.
Designing My Outdoor Space
My outdoor area has a lot of potential. It’s not completely set up right now, but my Costco paddleboard is the main attraction. I moved in during the winter, and I plan to add more to the space now that it’s summer. I’ve found some good deals on outdoor patio sets that I’m considering.
Although my apartment is small and cozy, it shows something important. It reflects the opportunities that have come from sharing my interests with others. This space truly feels like it’s my own. I’ve created a little haven here.