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One of the best ways to reduce paper clutter and interruptions is to stop them from getting to you in the first place.
We would like to make two important points regarding junk mail.
First, the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act, 39 USC 3001, specifically addresses the creation and maintenance of a Do Not Mail list by individual companies, much like the Do Not Call list.
Second, the United States Postal Service states that you are not required to accept any mail that you do not want, you may return it simply by writing the word "Refused" and putting it back in the mail without opening it. No fees will be charged.
Are all those pre-approved credit card and loan mailings driving you crazy?
Do you know that banks buy your credit rating information from the credit reporting agencies? They have your name, address and your social security number, along with ratings of if your bills are paid on time and whom you owe money to. If you've been denied credit within the last 60 days, you can contact them for a free copy of your report, otherwise it'll cost you $8.00.
By the way all consumers are entitled to one free copy of their credit report each year, regardless of whether they were denied credit or for any other reason.
Four ways to reduce the amount of unsolicited third class mail you receive, like flyers, catalogs, pre-approved credit card and loan mailings.
1. Send a letter to each of the three major credit reporting agencies and request that they stop selling your credit rating information.
a. Equifax Options P.O. Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
b. TransUnion Consumer Relations P. O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19022-2000
c. Experion- NCAC, P. O. Box 9701, Allen, TX 75013
2. You may contact the major credit reporting agencies by phone, just call one number 888-567-8688 to reach Equifax & Experion & TransUnion.
3. To reduce the amount of unwanted mailings-catalogs, etc. Send a letter to:
Mail Preference Service, Direct Mail Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
Direct Mail Marketing, Mail Preference Service, 6 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017-4609
ADVO, List Maintenance, 2235 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2909
4. To reduce the number of live telephone sales calls you get, send a letter to Direct Marketing Association, Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014 Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
Remember, all of these services may take up to 90 days to take effect.
None of the above requests affect the mailing lists of individual companies.
If you are getting catalogs from companies that you no longer deal with, call them on their order line phone number and have them remove you from their mailing lists. Most companies are happy to reduce the amount of unwanted mailings--catalogs are very expensive to produce and send. You'll be doing them a favor, not to mention reducing the amount of paper we all throw away.
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