Let’s be honest—no one likes opening their mailbox only to be greeted by a flood of credit card offers, catalogs you never requested, and “exclusive deals” that somehow made it to every doorstep on the block. Amanda, a viewer from Atlanta, recently posed a question that resonates with millions: 

“How can I stop the post office from sending me junk mail I don’t want?”

The short answer? The U.S. Postal Service won’t help much. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the pileup. In fact, there are three proven strategies that can seriously lighten your mail load—and they’re surprisingly easy to implement.

 

When your mailbox turns into a paper avalanche—junk mail overload is real! (Credit: DALL-E)

 

Why the Postal Service Keeps Delivering Junk

Before we dive into the fixes, it helps to understand the why. The U.S. Postal Service delivers billions of pieces of advertising mail each year—and makes a significant chunk of its revenue from doing so. In fact, marketing mail generated $15.3 billion for USPS in 2024 alone, according to their annual report (and get this…that’s an increase of $292 million from 2023).  So while it may be junk to you, to them, it’s big business.

That means you won’t find a “no junk mail” checkbox at your local post office. But you can take action independently to reduce the volume.

Step 1: Stop Advertising Mail with DMAchoice

The first (and most effective) move is registering with DMAchoice.org, a service run by the Association of National Advertisers. This platform lets you opt out of direct marketing mail from thousands of companies.

Here’s how it works:

  • It costs $4 to register online
  • Your preferences remain in effect for 10 years
  • You can specify the types of mail you want to stop—catalogs, magazine offers, donation solicitations, and more

Think of it as a "Do Not Mail" list for consumer marketing. It won’t stop everything—local mailers and companies outside the ANA may still send you stuff—but it’s a powerful first step.

Step 2: Block Pre-Screened Credit and Insurance Offers

Another big chunk of junk mail comes in the form of pre-approved credit card and insurance offers. These aren’t random—they’re generated by credit bureaus sharing your info with financial institutions.

To stop this, head over to OptOutPrescreen.com, a website managed by the four major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis. You can choose:

  • A 5-year opt-out, which you can do online for free
  • Or a permanent opt-out, which requires printing and mailing a form

Either option stops those envelope-stuffing campaigns from clogging your mailbox—and reduces the risk of identity theft from improperly discarded pre-approvals.

Step 3: Cancel Unwanted Catalogs with Catalog Choice

Still buried under a mountain of glossy catalogs? You’re not alone—and there’s a specific solution just for that. CatalogChoice.org is a free, nonprofit service that lets you individually unsubscribe from specific catalogs and marketing mailers.

The process is straightforward:

  • Create a free account
  • Search for the catalogs you want to stop
  • Submit opt-out requests on a case-by-case basis

What sets Catalog Choice apart is its catalog-specific approach. It’s especially useful if you keep getting niche or regional catalogs that aren’t covered by broader services like DMAchoice. Over time, this can drastically reduce both clutter and waste.

What These Services Won’t Stop

It’s worth noting that even after signing up for all three services, you may still receive:

  • Local political mailers
  • Notices from businesses you’ve interacted with
  • Community newsletters
  • Flyers from companies outside national databases

But tackling the three biggest contributors—national advertisers, credit bureaus, and catalog distributors—can slash your junk mail volume by more than half in most cases.

A Quieter Mailbox and a Greener Footprint

Beyond peace of mind, cutting down on junk mail also helps the environment. Paper-based mail contributes significantly to household waste, much of which ends up in landfills rather than being recycled. By opting out of unnecessary mail, you're not just clearing off your kitchen counter—you’re also helping reduce paper waste and support a more sustainable future.

So, the next time your mailbox feels more like a recycling bin, remember: you’re not powerless. Take a few minutes to opt out, reclaim your space, and start receiving only what truly matters.

Looking for more smart consumer tips? Visit TrustDALE.com for expert-backed advice on everything from cutting utility bills to avoiding scams. And if you’re tired of getting more paper clutter than actual mail, now’s the time to clean house—digitally.

Is your mailbox under siege? What’s the weirdest piece of junk mail you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments!