Renting your first apartment is exciting, but it requires careful planning. Before you sign anything, ask for a detailed list of what the rent includes. Some places are fully furnished, while others come with nothing but empty rooms. Check the building's facilities, such as the elevator and the laundry room, and make sure it is safe in an earthquake. Visit at night, too, to see how noisy the street is. If the rent is too high, splitting it with a friend is a good option. Finally, remember that signing a contract is a serious commitment, because many landlords require you to stay for at least one year.

Last month, the Lin family moved from a small apartment in Taichung to a house near the sea. Moving turned out to be harder than they expected. It took three trucks to carry all their things, and the first load arrived two hours late. Then they found a squirrel living under the roof! Their teenage son, whose nickname is Bean, was fascinated by it, but his mother was not. In the end, a kind neighbor helped them move the squirrel to a tree outside. "It wasn't a perfect day," Mrs. Lin laughed, "but now we have a great story to tell."