How to change address for junk mail

The eternal struggle of dealing with junk mail! Here are some steps to help you change your address and reduce the amount of junk mail you receive:

Update your address with the USPS

  1. Go to the United States Postal Service (USPS) website (usps.com) and click on "Change of Address" under the "Movers" tab.
  2. Fill out the online form with your old and new addresses, as well as your name and other relevant information.
  3. Pay the $1 fee (optional, but recommended to ensure your mail is forwarded correctly).

Notify the National Change of Address (NCOA) database

  1. The NCOA database is used by mailers to update their mailing lists. You can notify them of your address change by:
    • Filing a change of address form with the USPS (as mentioned above).
    • Contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) at www.dmaconsumers.org to request that your name be removed from their mailing lists.
  2. You can also opt-out of receiving junk mail from specific companies by contacting them directly and asking to be removed from their mailing lists.

Opt-out of junk mail from specific companies

  1. Check the websites of companies you don't want to receive mail from and look for an "opt-out" or "unsubscribe" link.
  2. Contact the company directly and ask to be removed from their mailing list.
  3. Some companies, like credit card companies and banks, may have specific opt-out procedures. Check their websites or contact their customer service departments for more information.

Additional tips to reduce junk mail

  1. Register with the National Do Not Mail List (NDNML) at www.donotmail.org to request that your name be removed from commercial mailing lists.
  2. Use a mail filter or a service like 41pounds.org to help screen out junk mail.
  3. Consider using a post office box or a mailbox rental service to receive your mail, which can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive at your home address.
  4. Be mindful of online forms and surveys that may ask for your mailing address. Only provide your address if necessary, and consider using a temporary or disposable email address to reduce spam.

Remember, it may take some time for your new address to be updated across all databases and mailing lists, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to reduce junk mail.