How to Stop Junk Mail
No More Unwanted Junk Mail
You know what makes mail decidedly NOT FUN to deal with? All the amount of unwanted junk mail that somehow ends up inside our mailbox. They obscure the most important letters (or bills) that require immediate action and mail is one of those things that can easily pile up and become overwhelming.
I highly recommend immediately dealing with mail as soon as you pick it up from the mailbox:
Step 1: throw away or recycle the advertisements
Step 2: open every single envelope — I guarantee that you’ll realize that most of them will be papers you can let go of!
Step 3: deal with papers that require action, file or archive it, or store it in a designated “Action Required” bin to handle later
If you are someone who does not like their name and address to be visible on envelopes, I recommend this security stamp and/or investing in a paper shredder for dealing with sensitive documents.
While getting into the habit of dealing with mail is essential, here are some ways to stop it at its source — and having less mail, means less to manage.
Go digital
Receiving lots of paper statements from different accounts? Taking the time to setup your online accounts will not only save paper, but save you from needing to keep a physical archive. Additionally, I have often found that most people rarely go back to refer to these statements. So if anything, save yourself the time and energy of managing it!
2. Sign up for DMAChoice™
Reduce new direct mail solicitations when you sign up for DMAChoice™, an online tool offered through the Association of National Advertisers. While there is an $8 processing fee, the opt-out preferences are good for 10 years.
DMAChoice™ stops prospect promotional mail, which is mail that you never signed up for. Examples include catalogs, magazine offers, donation requests, and retail promotions.
What’s not covered:
Transactional mail - invoices, bills, statements, and notices
Prescreened offers for credit or insurance - need to opt out separately (see further below)
Political mailings are exempt
Mailing addressed to “current resident”
Customer or donor mail for companies or nonprofits that you have purchased from, subscribed to, or donated to in the past
Companies or organizations that don’t subscribe to DMAchoice will not receive your suppression request
Helpful FAQs here about what is and isn’t covered
3. Sign up for OptOutPrescreen
OptOutPrescreen is the official Consumer Credit Reporting industry website to opt out of offers for credit and insurance. Say goodbye to all those pre-screened offers that companies eagerly qualify you for, despite your interest.
4. Utilize Catalog Choice
Catalog Choice is a database ranging from clothing brands to credit card companies to charities, with general instructions on how to opt out of each organization.
Bonus: stop telemarketing calls
Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to opt out of those pesky telemarketing calls. The registry list tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call. So, unfortunately, it can’t block calls or stop calls from scammers. If you do still receive unwanted calls after being signed up for 31 days, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
…oh, and about those political texts…
Unfortunately, there is no way to opt out of political texts. However, it is recommended to either block the number or reply with STOP to prevent future messages.
⭐️ Remember — having less mail arrive to your mailbox, means less mail you need to manage.
Don’t let mail steal your joy!