Take a look inside my Costco furnished apartment

At age 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 place.

I had saved $400,000 and had the flexibility to make the leap, but whether it was uncertain income streams, greed, and mostly 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 walked in, I felt at home. As fate would have it, as I was leaving, I met my friend’s neighbors, a couple who broke the contract. My gut told me this was the right time.

After a few hours and some paperwork, I secured a sublease from them for $2,000. month. It was the perfect transitional space. After my 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 my parents’ place where I teach my music students, and less than a 10 minute drive from two beloved local Costco stores. This may seem like an odd amenity to look for in real estate, but to me, it was a huge asset.

All in all, I spent over $5,000 to outfit my place almost entirely with Costco products.

Costco was a shopping staple for my family when I was growing up. And in 2013, I started going all the time after work, to browse the aisles and try on samples while waiting in rush hour traffic.

Over time, Costco has become more than a store to me—it’s a place where I need to belong and feel like myself. My love for her inspired me to create my own Instagram account, Costco Claudia.

Since launching in the winter of 2022, Costco Claudia has become a creative outlet and a revenue stream. On the account, I mostly post videos of myself modeling women’s clothing in the store, and I currently have 191,000 followers and counting. While I have never worked directly with or for Costco, I have had partnerships with brands 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 enjoyable parts of this experience has been the overwhelming positivity I have received from my Costco community Claudia. They provided so much comfort and solidarity when I felt most alone, especially when I learned about my PMDD and navigated living on my own.

Their support has helped me through some of my most difficult times.

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

My kitchen is a space to feed and prepare for the day

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

What I really rely on in my kitchen are my coffee maker and garage “workbench” – both found at Costco – which doubles as my kitchen table. It’s sturdy and looks great with the faux fur sheepskins I use to cover my chairs.

I surround myself with greenery and music in my living room

After a long day of studying, I like to relax in my cozy living room. My forest of growing monsters and succulents adds a touch of greenery and tranquility to the space.

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

My bathroom is both luxurious and pragmatic

In my bathroom, the essentials I can’t live without: my gold hoop earrings, two pairs of glasses, and my daily contacts.

When I first left, I found all the bathroom basics I needed at Costco: towels, hand towels, a shower curtain, soap dispenser, and mats. When allergy season comes around, blotting paper is a lifesaver, as they sell it in bulk.

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

My bedroom is a haven

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

In the woven side baskets, I store my Costco pajamas, keeping everything neat and organized. I also love the Shark Roomba, which cleans my apartment when I’m not here.

Outdoor space with options

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

I moved over the winter, but now that summer is upon us, I hope to add more space soon. I’ve got my eye on some discounted outdoor patio sets.

My apartment may be small and cozy, but it is a testament to the opportunities that have come from sharing my passion with others. After all, this space really feels like mine. I have created an oasis here.

Claudia Chee is a Bay Area native and former Google employee turned entrepreneur. Today, she is a piano teacher, owner of Claudia’s music studioand a social media influencer who loves to share her love of Costco Instagram.

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