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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Contact specific companies: If you receive junk mail from a specific company, you can contact them directly to opt-out of their mailing list.
  7. Use a junk mail filter: Some email providers, like Gmail, offer junk mail filters that can help reduce unwanted mail.
  8. 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.
  9. Consider a mail-blocking service: Services like EarthClassMail or GreenMail can help you reduce junk mail by blocking unwanted mail at the post office.
  10. 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.