Junk Mail Magic

Choose what a mail helper should read aloud

The helper names each sender or type of mail first. Then the person decides whether to hear it read, set it aside or recycle it. The helper reads details only when the person says yes. Permission to sort mail is narrower than permission to act on someone's money, health or legal matters.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Run a read-aloud session

  1. Agree on a time and place, and let the person decide who is in the room. Open nothing until they say you may.
  2. For each piece, say only what shows on the outside, such as the sender name or a plain description like a catalog or a charity appeal. Then ask whether to read it, set it aside or recycle it.
  3. If they choose read, read only the part they ask about. For an advertisement that may be just the headline or offer. Stop as soon as they say stop.
  4. If a piece looks like it concerns money, health, care or a legal matter, leave it closed unless they ask. Put it in a separate pile for them, or for someone they choose, to handle.
  5. In a private notebook, write down any sender they want less mail from. Do not copy account numbers or personal details from the mail.

When an envelope is not what it seemed

An envelope that looks like a flyer can turn out to hold a letter from a clinic, a benefits office or a lawyer. If that happens, stop reading and ask the person whether to continue, save it for later or pass it to someone they trust. They can change their mind in the middle of a piece, and the helper follows the new answer.

Read-aloud script and private notes

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

Script: This one is from [sender or description]. Do you want it read, set aside, or recycled? If read: Which part should I read? If it looks personal: This may be about [money / health / a legal matter]. Should I keep it closed for you? Notes (private, no account numbers): Sender: [name] Choice: [read / set aside / recycle] Wants fewer from this sender: [yes / no] Date: [date]

Turn the notebook into one request

Look through the notebook for a sender that keeps appearing and that the person has said they do not want. Ask whether they want that sender contacted. If they do, draft the request together and read it aloud before it goes out. Leave every other sender alone until the person decides about it.

Official source

Agree on what a helper may do with advertising mailHandle different opinions about a relative’s catalogsSet a caregiver check before recycling unfamiliar mailMake a large-print sheet for managing unwanted mailHelping 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