How do you decide the starting point to install laminate flooring?

I start on the side that would be hardest to finish on. If the room has baseboard heat I start under it. If not I will start on the door side so I can slide it under the door frame. If neither side has a door or heat, I start on the longest side.

As for direction, go with whatever looks best. **Note - Most professional installers will tell you to lay the boards perpendicular to the main source of light regardless of the room dimensions. (Stand facing the largest natural light source, i.e. the room's largest window, and lay the flooring down so that the short end of the plank is facing the window.)