Junk Mail Magic

Ask about unwanted ads at a private mailbox

Start by asking the mailbox provider whether it offers any handling option for advertising. That answer depends on its own rules, so do not assume one exists. Separately, ask the advertisers you recognize to stop marketing mail to your box. A provider's rules do not remove you from a sender's list, and a sender's opt-out does not change your provider agreement.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated .

Two sets of questions, kept apart

  1. Read the provider's terms or ask staff whether it holds, sorts or discards promotional mail at a customer's request, and what you would need to ask for.
  2. Ask who is authorized to receive and handle mail for your box under your agreement, and update that list through the provider if it is out of date.
  3. Keep a private list of the advertisers you recognize, with the name and address line as printed. Note whether the label shows a suite, box number or street format.
  4. Contact each advertiser through its official website and ask it to stop marketing mail for that name and printed address.

What stays off the worksheet

The worksheet is for sender names and printed address lines only. Do not photograph or upload invoices, benefit letters, legal notices, care records or anyone else's correspondence. If the box is shared, act only on mail addressed to you or to someone who has given you permission, and do not open the rest.

Private worksheet fields

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

Provider name: [provider name] Question asked about promotional mail: [your question] Provider's answer and date: [answer], [date] People authorized on my box: [names] Advertiser name: [advertiser] Name line as printed: [name as printed] Address format as printed: [suite, box or street line as printed] Official contact route used: [website form, email or phone] Date asked: [date] Advertiser's reply: [reply or none yet]

Update it at pickup

On your next visit, add any new advertiser to the list along with the exact address format it used. Quote that format when you write to the sender, and record the provider's answer next to your question so you know which issue is still open.

Official sources

Handle an address the opt-out form cannot findFollow up when a sender says it does not own the listKeep advertising changes separate during temporary housingRenting and relocationAll 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