Tackling Junk Mail: How to Handle and Reduce Unwanted USPS Mail

Managing junk mail can be a daunting task, especially when you're increasingly inundated with unwanted letters and catalogs. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several methods to control the flow of non-first-class mail, including the ability to refuse mail at your doorstep. This guide will walk you through the process, highlighting the best practices and tools to reduce junk mail.

Refusing Mail: A Simple Yet Effective Method

Any USPS mailer in your name can be refused. To do this, you simply need to write “REFUSED” on the mailer and place it inside your mailbox. It's important to note that only first-class mailers are returned to the sender. If the mailer is non-first-class, it will be disposed of as UBBM (Undeliverable as Addressed Business Mail).

If you don’t want future mailers from a non-first-class sender, you will need to contact them directly and request the removal of your name and address from their postal mailing list.

Strategies for Reducing Junk Mail

There are several services available that can help you reduce junk mail. Here are some recommended tools and tips:

CatalogChoice, PaperKarma, DeleteMe, WikiCancel, and DoNotPay

These services can be incredibly effective in reducing non-first-class mail, including catalogs, free newspapers, and other junk mail. To start, you should:

Add generic name variations to your name list: For example, "Current Resident," "Resident," "Valued Customer." This can significantly reduce unwanted mail. Use CatalogChoice to reduce past resident/deceased individuals' non-first-class mail. Add their name variations to the name list. Register with DMAChoice, a paid service. Make sure to include all current and old name/address variations and any additional name fields. If you have the "current resident" field, include this variation as well. For deceased individuals, opt for the free deceased option on DMAChoice. For aging parents, use the free caretaker option on DMAChoice.

Additional tips include:

Check for old address information. Use Melissa Data for name variations you received mail at old addresses. Include all such variations, even if they are incorrect.

Remember, DMAChoice will only stop unsolicited postal mailers. If you have a business relationship with a company (e.g., shared personal information, customer, etc.), you will need to contact them directly and request removal from their postal mailing list.

Tips for Regular Mail Handling

If you decide to refuse all mail entirely, make sure to discontinue service properly. Some people have even fastened their mailboxes shut or taken the boxes down. However, this method can be disruptive to receiving important mail like bills and refund checks, as well as letters from friends and relatives.

When you do receive your mail, a simple solution is to walk over to your paper recycle bin and dispose of the junk mail. Keep the important mail, such as bills and letters from friends and family.

Conclusion

Managing junk mail doesn't have to be overwhelming. By utilizing USPS’s refusal process, registering with DMAChoice, and taking advantage of other tools like CatalogChoice, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive. These strategies ensure that you receive only the mail that is truly important to you.