Junk Mail Magic

Review catalogs after a move to assisted living

Ask the resident which catalogs they still read, keep those, and ask the other senders to stop. Address updates for insurers, doctors and banks go on a separate list. A request to a catalog company does not change where a bill goes.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Make two lists

  1. Go through the catalogs arriving at both the old and new address with the resident and ask which ones they read.
  2. Write the keep list from their answers. A gardening or book catalog they enjoy stays.
  3. For each unwanted catalog, contact the customer-service address or number printed on it and ask to stop postal advertising for the resident's name and address.
  4. On a second list, write the providers that need the new address. The resident or their representative contacts each one.
  5. Ask the facility how it delivers advertising mail to residents.

Keep the errands apart

Combining a provider address change with a catalog request risks one of them being missed. Keep accounts and records with the resident or an authorized representative. A helper's role is the catalog list. If the resident hesitates over a catalog, leave it on the keep list.

Resident-approved catalog list

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Resident: [name as printed] New address: [address] Keep: [catalogs] Stop, with sender contact: [catalog, contact] Date each stop request sent: [dates] Providers needing new address (resident or representative handles): [list] Approved by resident on: [date]

Compare the next deliveries to the list

Leave the agreed worksheet with the resident. Compare later catalogs with the request dates and any sender-stated processing period before following up. If the resident misses a stopped catalog, ask that company about restarting it through its current preference route.

Official source

Help a parent keep chosen charity mailHandle different opinions about a relative’s catalogsDiscuss advertising mail handling with a care facilityCoordinate a dependent’s marketing requests at two addressesHelping another adultAll practical mail guides

Keep personal records with the organization that handles them

Junk Mail Magic is for ordinary unwanted advertising. Use the official contact route in this guide for records, account changes or someone else’s correspondence.

Compare removal routes