Junk mail! Let’s be honest — nobody asked for a stack of catalogs, pre-approved credit card offers, and mystery flyers every single day. It piles up on the counter, it’s a hassle to shred, and it’s honestly just clutter you didn’t sign up for.
The good news? You have more control over your mailbox than you think. Thanks to guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there are a few simple, free (or nearly free) steps you can take to cut down on unwanted mail significantly. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Tell Marketers What You Actually Want
Most of that catalog and promotional mail comes from marketers who buy mailing lists. You can take back control by registering with DMAchoice.org, a service run by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA).
Here’s how it works:
- Go to DMAchoice.org.
- Create an account and tell them which types of mail you do and don’t want — catalogs, magazine offers, credit offers, and more.
- Pay the one-time $6 processing fee.
- Your preferences stay active for 10 years.
No internet access? No problem. You can register by mail instead:
- Write your name and address on a piece of paper and sign it.
- Include a check or money order for $7, payable to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA).
- Mail it to:
DMAchoice
Consumer Preferences
P.O. Box 900
Cos Cob, CT 06807
A quick note: DMAchoice will stop most — but not all — promotional mail. Think of it as cutting the pile down significantly, not necessarily to zero.
Step 2: Handle Mail for a Deceased Loved One or a Dependent
If you’re still receiving mail addressed to someone who has passed away, or to a dependent in your care, DMAchoice has two additional tools built for exactly this:
- Deceased Do Not Contact List — stops mail addressed to a loved one who has passed.
- Do Not Contact for Caretakers List — stops mail addressed to a dependent you care for.
Once you register someone through either list, their name and address stay on the ANA’s opt-out list permanently — one less thing to worry about during an already difficult time.
Step 3: Cut Down on Unwanted Email Too
While you’re at it, DMAchoice also offers a free Email Preference Service to reduce unsolicited commercial email. Registration is free and lasts 10 years — and it’s a great companion step if you’re also trying to clean up an overflowing inbox.
Step 4: Stop Pre-Approved Credit Card and Insurance Offers
This is the big one for a lot of folks. Those “you’re pre-approved!” letters come from the credit bureaus, and you have two ways to make them stop:
Option A: Opt out for 5 years
- Go to OptOutPrescreen.com, or
- Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
That’s it — your five-year opt-out is in place.
Option B: Opt out permanently
- Go to OptOutPrescreen.com or call the same number above to start the process.
- You’ll receive a Permanent Opt-Out Election form.
- Sign it and mail it back to complete your permanent opt-out.
Keep in mind: whether you call or visit the website, they’ll ask for personal details like your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Sharing your SSN and birth date is optional, but doing so helps them verify and process your request more reliably. The site states this information is kept confidential and used only for processing your opt-out.
Why This Matters (Beyond Just a Tidier Mailbox)
Less junk mail isn’t just about convenience — it also means fewer pieces of mail with your personal information floating around, which is one small but meaningful way to help protect yourself from identity theft. As your neighbors here at Monaghan & Associates, protecting what matters to your family — your home, your information, your peace of mind — is exactly the kind of thing we care about too.
The Bottom Line
Cutting down on junk mail takes about 15-20 minutes total, and most of it is free. Here’s your quick checklist:
- ✅ Register at DMAchoice.org (or by mail) to control marketing mail — $6-$7 fee, lasts 10 years.
- ✅ Use the Deceased or Caretaker lists if needed — free and permanent.
- ✅ Sign up for the Email Preference Service to reduce spam too — free, 10 years.
- ✅ Visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to stop pre-approved credit and insurance offers — 5-year or permanent option.
A little effort now means a lot less clutter (and a little more peace of mind) later.
Have questions about protecting your home, your family, or your personal information? That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call at 937-404-1205 or stop by 263 West Central Ave. Ste A, Springboro, OH 45066 — we’re always happy to help.