Just over two years ago, I nervously launched a collection of organizing printables called The Organization Toolbox. At that time, I had no idea how much I would enjoy creating printables for you all, nor did I anticipate how popular the Toolbox would become. In the two+ years since I launched it, I’ve added more than 200 printable pages to the Toolbox and close to 20,000 readers have subscribed to gain access to this amazing collection of resources. Today I want to take a quick break from my usual posts and projects to share a big update/change coming to The Organization Toolbox very soon. This is an update a long-time in the making, and one I am very excited about. And while I know this is a good important step for my blog and business, I wanted to spend just a little time sharing why I’m making this change, what it means for you, and why it means a lot more wonderful printable resources will be coming your way!
The Long and The Short of It
Without beating around the bush, I’ll just get right to it. Starting next week, The Organization Toolbox will no longer be a free printable library. In order to gain access to any and all of my past and future printable products, you will need to purchase a membership.
There will be two membership options: a 7-Day Pass and a Lifetime Pass, and pricing details will be available next week. A 7-Day Access pass will give you access to the Toolbox for 7-days, in which you can visit and download everything available. However, as future kits are uploaded to the Toolbox (which will now happen monthly!), a new 7-Day Access pass would be required to get any new kits. The Lifetime Access pass is a one-time payment membership pass that will give you never-ending access to the Toolbox…meaning you will have access to each and every kit I ever publish without paying another penny. Ever 🙂
Why Am I Doing This?
As I mentioned above, when I first launched this collection of free resources, I never dreamed how much I would enjoy creating worksheets, planners, trackers, labels and more. It is something I truly enjoy, and I believe I have a talent for creating systems that are beautiful, functional and truly useful. As I’ve made more and more printables, my designs have gotten better, my kits have gotten bigger, and my systems have become more robust. What was originally conceived as a library of twelve 1-page worksheets instead ballooned into a treasure trove of 200+ pages. It’s taken me a long time to realize and believe it, but there is real value in the Toolbox that I am giving away for free.
There’s a logistical aspect to it as well. Creating printable systems and organizational resources lights my fire. I lay awake at night thinking about new kits to make, and my idea list for products I want to launch is pages long. But if I have all these great ideas, why don’t I launch kits more regularly? Because, friends, getting a kit launched for sale requires so many tedious components (e.g., graphics, listings, landing pages, marketing). I’m a one-woman-show; and if I’m being honest, just thinking about everything required to get a kit launched for sale has been keeping me from even getting started on it. Rather, creating a kit and placing it in the Toolbox is a MUCH quicker and easier way to get the files into your hands, which is why I opted for free instead of paid over and over and over again.
After much soul searching, I determined that paid Toolbox access will justly compensate me for the valuable resources I am creating, while keeping the whole system exceptionally easy to manage, access, and enjoy. Simply put: by transforming the Toolbox into a paid membership library, I will have the resources and time to create so many more wonderful printables, and you will get access to each and every one without feeling nickel-and-dimed to death!
Why Would I Buy a Membership If I Have Your Printables Already?
That’s a great question, and one I am sure many of you are thinking already. If you’re a regular and long-time reader of my blog, then you likely already have many of the printables in the Toolbox already saved to your computer. In that case, why would you spend money on a membership now? Well, there’s a few really good reasons!
- Gain Access to EVERY Printable Kit I’ve Released. As most of you know, I don’t do anything half-way. So when I set out to create a paid membership platform that was worthy of your money, I decided to put everything I’ve made in there. Yes, pretty much everything. That means the entire Ultimate Kitchen Printable Pack is in there, as is my Chore Charts for Kids and the Say Thanks Kit. Right now, the new Toolbox sits at over 600 printable pages and files!
- Gain Access to all FUTURE Printables. As I said above, one of my main reasons for doing this is to make it quicker and easier to get printable files into your hands. As such, every time I create a new printable kit, it will not require its own shop page or listing on Etsy. It will go into the Toolbox, and you will be able to go in and access whenever you want it! New printable kits will now be released on the first Tuesday of every month.
- ALL the Printables are Now Editable! You all have asked (and asked and asked), and I have heard you! I am thrilled to report that every printable in the new Toolbox now has editable text fields. That means if you’d rather type in your recipes or passwords or project plans rather than write them out, you can now do that!
- The Toolbox has Been Re-Designed. The Toolbox has been re-designed for this new launch, and I am really proud of it. Beyond the still-easy access to all my Printables, there are several resource pages to help you open, edit, save and print your files; as well as forms to ask questions and make requests.
- Can’t I Just Buy the Files I Want on Etsy? Nope – with the re-launch of the Toolbox, my kits will no longer be available “a la carte.” The only way to access any of my kits from here on out will be via a Toolbox membership.
The Ultimate Kitchen Printable Pack
Why Are You Telling Us This Now?
There are a few reasons I am giving you a head’s up this week!
First, I understand that I am taking away a free resource and am now charging money for it. I realize this may not sit right with some readers, and I wanted a chance to explain the reasons behind this decision. I love you guys, and I love creating things that will make your life easer. But I also want to feel compensated for my time and talents. I worked very hard to come up with a payment structure that I feel is both reasonable and profitable. I genuinely believe what I have planned for the Toolbox will be worth your money.
Second, I wanted to give you a heads’ up about the special launch pricing that will be available next week only. If you love my printable resources and want to have access to anything I release, next week’s pricing on the Lifetime Access membership will be the cheapest it will ever be.
Finally, I realize that paying for organizing printables is not something everybody can or wants to do. As such, I wanted to give you one week notice before this resource went away. If you are not in a posiiton to purchase a membership, I suggest you log in now and download anything you may want. The free Toolbox will close on Sunday (4/1/18) so we can transition to the new site.
Is This Going to Become a Printables-Only Blog?
Nope! Creating and sharing printables is only one aspect of what I love and do here on The Homes I Have Made, and it will absolutely stay that way. A new printable kit will be added to the Toolbox on the first Tuesday of each month; so expect a printable-themed post on those days. The rest of the month will be filled up with my usual home decor, organization, DIY and craft projects!
How Do I Get a Membership?
Barring any last-minute emergencies or family crises, I am on track to launch the new Toolbox next Tuesday (4/3/18). Emails will head out Monday night with all the details, and Memberships will be available for purchase starting Tuesday. The special launch pricing on the Lifetime Access pass will only be available through Sunday, April 8th so be sure to get on my email list (newsletter sign-up is on the bottom of this page) so you don’t forget to stop buy and learn all the details!
Chore Charts & Routines for Kids
When I first launched the Toolbox over two years ago, I was terrified it would be a horrible flop. I am equally nervous, if not more so, about this re-launch. However, I’ve done a ton of soul-searching, brainstorming, and pow-wowing with other bloggers and solo-preneurs, and I know this is the right step for me and The Homes I Have Made. I am positively giddy over the updates I’ve made to the Toolbox, and I think you will love it too! I’m going to take the next week to put the finishing touches on everything, so there will be no new post here on Friday. I’ll see you back here next week!
As cheap as I am, I totally get this. Your time is worth something. And it’s worth something to your family. Especially when you will be spending time away from your family to make the stuff. 😀. Can’t wait to see how next week goes! Congratulations!
I totally second this! It’s amazing it was ever free to begin with! You’re spending your time and talents to create these and you should be compensated for that. I’m excited for you and you can count me in 🙂
Count me as #3! I’ll be happy to pay next week. I hate to admit this, but I am one who tends to jump into “getting organized”, but I usually never make it past printing papers and lists, and buying storage containers, many of whose lids are having a party with single socks somewhere over the rainbow. My boss is dragging me kicking and screaming into the paperless future, and as I go through piles of paperwork, I find blank forms! I want to spend more time actually being organized! So I am restraining myself from printing every thing until I can use it. As commented, your work should definitely be compensated! Thanks again!