Regarding scanners for photos I prefer the flat bed type. Maybe just me - and the crappy Lexmark all in one we have but I feel I have far better control of the outcome with a flat bed. Downside? Huge, it needs so much desk or shelf space. Perhaps someone will stop by and tell both of us that a better all in one can do a good job as good as a flat bed.

I would suggest you have the workmen set up the furniture. If they set it up and it doesn't fit or work correctly you have recourse. If you accept the furniture before it's been assembled, you won't be able to object to missing components, parts, scratches etc, because you have already signed off on the items. Also there is sometimes an issue if these large entertainment units are installed on thick carpet. Sometimes the units have to be shimmed, leveled, or anchored properly to keep them from tippling over. You'll have plenty to do with making sure you have all your TV components, cable boxes, game boxes, receivers, speakers etc. ready to be plugged in and working properly.

Hi Bouncing... Here are a few random thoughts from someone who has worked in "Office Environments" and had my own home business for 15 years now. You've mentioned some of the types of items you'll need to save. Think them all through and create a list of categories. Then think of where you would be most apt to look for a document. Truly the art of a good file system is what works for YOU. Would you be most likely to look for billing with the contract for that customer? In a separate binder filed by month? Set up your accounting files separately so that tax time or pulling out a paid bill is fast and easy. I find it easiest to file paid bills by expense type (all phone bills together, all computer maintenance bills grouped, etc). A good guideline for categories is simply the expense line items shown on schedule C (I think!) of a tax return. Create a very basic index of how/where things are filed. If your DH wants to find the invoice issued to the Smiths, where should he look? Set up your files in a manner that allows you to easily box them up at the end of the year and start fresh. If you have to sort through folders when it's time to archive, chances are it won't get done. Make your archiving process as simple as possible. Know that you will have to spend time on "company administration". You've just become the office manager, bookkeeper and head of computer and systems maintenance. Allow time in your day for billing, filing and maintenance. Finally, I know you weren't asking on advice for *where* to put your office...but I'm going to throw some out there anyway ;-) Please reconsider setting up your office in your MBR. IMHO to work at home successfully you have to be able to focus on business - and you have to be able to shut that off from time to time as well. It can be hard to separate home life vs business life if the business is a few feet from your bed. Find a little corner of your home for your office. Truly, office furniture doesn't have to be really nice...just really fuctional. Determine what you'll need for file space and worktop space then determine your furniture needs from there. I've read your profile here and maybe you could even incorporate an ebaying station within your home office area. Best of luck for a very successful business for you!

Thank you for your response. I think I have to figure out a balance between keeping things neutral and still colorful... Right now there is no play room (we tried), the kids just play with us in the living room/dining area. I also have a just turned 1y old, so don't want to buy anything too big that little one could bump into. All of this being said, for now I'm thinking of investing in a solid office desk (that could be used as a small dining table, more like a breakfast or coffee nook for later, or even to hold a large grand piano). Or to host zoom meetings for my older kid. I love the idea of a dining table, but don't think it will be used as much. Also, the kids (even those visiting) love running around the open space and the living area and a lot of the kitchen is used for toy and book storage :D Lots of people love our rug, but I know it overwhelms the rest of the space :D I tried toning down other décor like pillows, throws etc. so just the rug stands out. But I haven't been able to incorporate that color across rest of the area.... Should I let the rug move where the dining area should be, so the kids can actually use it as their playroom, and the color is at the center? Or should I leave it in the living area....