How to get less junk mail
The never-ending battle against junk mail! Here are some effective ways to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive:
- Register with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): The DMA is a trade association that represents the direct marketing industry. You can register with them to opt-out of receiving mail from their member companies. Visit their website at www.dmachoice.org.
- Use the USPS Opt-Out Form: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a form that allows you to opt-out of receiving junk mail. You can download the form from their website at www.usps.com/optimail.
- Contact individual companies: If you receive mail from a specific company, you can contact them directly to ask to be removed from their mailing list. Look for a contact email or phone number on the mail piece.
- Use online opt-out tools: Many companies offer online opt-out tools. For example, you can visit www.41p.com to opt-out of receiving mail from companies that use the 41 Pagemark database.
- Use a junk mail filter: Some email providers, such as Gmail, offer junk mail filters that can help reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.
- Use a paperless billing service: Consider switching to paperless billing for your bills and statements. This can help reduce the amount of mail you receive.
- Use a mail-blocking service: Services like www.junkmail.org and www.mailblocker.com can help block junk mail from reaching your mailbox.
- Update your address: If you've moved, make sure to update your address with the USPS and with companies that send you mail. This can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
- Use a junk mail reduction service: Services like www.junkmailreduction.com and www.paperkarma.com can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by identifying and removing your name from mailing lists.
- Consider a mail-forwarding service: If you're moving or traveling, consider using a mail-forwarding service to forward your mail to a new address.
Remember, it may take some time to see a reduction in junk mail, as companies may not immediately update their mailing lists. However, by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.