How to stop receiving junk mail at home
The never-ending battle against junk mail! Here are some steps to help you reduce or stop receiving junk mail at home:
- Register with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Mail Preference Service: The DMA is a non-profit organization that helps consumers reduce unwanted mail. You can register online or by mail to have your name removed from mailing lists.
- Opt-out of prescreened credit offers: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows you to opt-out of receiving prescreened credit offers for five years. You can do this by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting the FTC website.
- Contact your local post office: Your local post office may have a "Do Not Mail" list or a "Junk Mail" box where you can deposit unwanted mail. They may also be able to provide guidance on how to reduce junk mail.
- Check with your local government: Some cities and towns have programs to reduce junk mail. For example, some cities have "Junk Mail" boxes or programs that allow you to recycle unwanted mail.
- Use online opt-out tools: Many companies offer online opt-out tools to reduce junk mail. For example:
- Catalog Choice: Allows you to opt-out of catalogs and other mailings.
- 41pounds.org: A UK-based service that helps you reduce junk mail.
- DMAchoice: A service offered by the Direct Marketing Association that allows you to opt-out of mailings.
- Contact specific companies: If you receive junk mail from a specific company, you can contact them directly to opt-out of their mailing list.
- Use a junk mail filter: Some email providers, like Gmail, offer junk mail filters that can help reduce unwanted mail.
- Recycle unwanted mail: If you can't stop the junk mail, make sure to recycle it. Many communities have curbside recycling programs that accept junk mail.
- Consider a mail-blocking service: Services like EarthClassMail or GreenMail can help you reduce junk mail by blocking unwanted mail at the post office.
- Monitor your credit report: Keeping an eye on your credit report can help you identify potential identity theft and reduce junk mail related to credit offers.
Remember, it may take some time to see a reduction in junk mail, as companies may still send you mail for a few months after you opt-out. However, by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of junk mail you receive at home.