Junk Mail Magic

Reduce unwanted mail without a smartphone

You can ask a sender to stop advertising mail without a smartphone. Take the sender's name from the advertisement, confirm a phone number, web form or postal address for that sender, and then call, use a desktop or library computer, or write a letter. A paper worksheet keeps one sender's details and request on each row.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Fill in one row per advertisement

  1. Write the sender name exactly as printed on the advertisement. Below it, copy the name and address from the mailing label so you can give the sender the same details.
  2. Find a contact you can confirm, such as a number or address on the sender's official website or in a reliable directory. You can skip any QR code or short link on the piece.
  3. Choose the channel you can manage: a call from a landline or basic phone, a form on a desktop computer, or a letter. Write the contact next to that channel.
  4. Write one precise request, for example: stop printed advertising mail to the name and address on the label. When you make the request, ask what confirmation the sender can give.
  5. Write the date and what the sender told you. If the sender gives its own timeframe, copy it. If it gives none, leave that line blank.

Keep the worksheet focused

Use one row per sender, even if that sender mails you often. When the same advertisement comes again, add the new date to the existing row so you can tell the sender when it arrived.

If the label shows a different spelling of your name than other pieces do, write each spelling down. Ask the sender whether it needs every version to find your record. If a helper fills in the sheet or makes the call, give them only the advertisement and the worksheet.

Paper worksheet

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

Sender name on the piece: [sender name] Name and address on the label: [name as printed], [address] Contact I confirmed: [phone, form or postal address] Where I found it: [official website, directory or paperwork] How I will ask: [call, form or letter] My request: Please stop printed advertising mail to [name as printed] at [address]. Date contacted: [date] What they said or confirmed: [response or reference number] Next step: [next action]

Pick the first call or letter

Circle the channel you are most comfortable with, then choose the sender whose contact you have already confirmed. Make that one request and fill in the date and response before you look up the next contact.

Official source

Prepare a postal preference call with limited internet accessMake a large-print sheet for managing unwanted mailChoose a removal route when you cannot print a formAsk a helper to sort by sender without reading contentsMail routines that fit your needsAll practical mail guides

Have an unwanted advertisement ready?

Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.

Try one request free