It’s hard to imagine that managing junk mail clutter can be stressful. Yet it is so easy for our daily routine of dealing with paper mail to overwhelm us. Decluttering junk mail requires both valuable mental energy and designated time to sort through piles of paper. Finding more time to complete another of life’s tasks when we’re already fatigued with the demands of life is challenging! One extreme solution would be to impulsively toss all unsolicited mail into the trash can. The following stress-reducing tips can help you manage the inflow of junk mail and reduce mailbox clutter.
Opting Out Choices
Preapproved credit cards
Consumers can choose what enters their mailbox. Many people are stressed by the flood of paper and are unaware they can stop the flood of unsolicited junk mail and preapproved credit card offers. The FTC website provides the contact details. Consumers have two options that enable them to prescreen offers of credit cards and insurance offers. There is a provision to opt out for receiving these for five years, or you can stop receiving them permanently. Visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details.
Catalogs etc
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) provides a service to opt out of receiving junk mail clutter, such as catalogs, brochures and other forms of commercial advertising. The ability to stop the mail depends on your relationship with the business. If you are an active customer who has previously purchased an item, this relationship provides the opportunity for the business to send you marketing information. The DMA would be limited in their ability to stop this correspondence on your behalf. The consumer would have to notify the company directly. Mail sent to prospective buyers by companies seeking to grow their business from commercial lists can be stopped by your notification to the DMA.
DMAchoice allows consumers to register on their website, www.DMAchoice.org. Payment of a processing fee of $2.00 allows consumers to select, for ten years, the information they wish to receive from direct marketing. This service enables consumers to decide what mail they do and do not want to receive. If you do not wish to register online, you can still use this service by obtaining their mail-in form, which is available online. The DMAChoice mail-in form can then be completed and mailed to this company. The company states that registering online is the fastest method to start the process.
Coupons
Surprisingly, only a few large companies are responsible for most of the coupons in your mailbox.
Money Mailer delivers their coupons in the big red, white and blue envelope. You can opt out of receiving this information by either calling them on 714-889-4609, or send an email to ListManagerContact@moneymailer.com
Valpak sends you coupons from your local merchants. The company provides an online form to opt out of receiving this mail: www.valpak.com/coupons/show/mailinglistsuppression
Redplum direct mail marketing provides an online form to opt out of their preferred mailing list.www.redplum.com/tools/direct-mail-preferences.
They advise that it will take five to six weeks to stop receiving all of their correspondence once they have been notified. This is because their mailing labels are often printed in advance of mail distribution dates.
Managing Junk Mail Clutter Stress
Junk mail clutter is often a hidden source of personal stress. It takes time to sort, organize and file mail correspondence. A person spiraling into the abyss of emotional symptoms could be best helped by seeking assistance with this daily routine. Managing paper is a daily task that requires ongoing attention and mental energy. Otherwise, these unattended piles of paper can be overwhelming and can become a major source of mail clutter stress. The difficulty is often in recognizing and allocating the time and mental energy required to manage the problem. Perhaps, reducing the mail initially delivered to the mail box can be a solution to this junk mail clutter dilemma.