We all receive unsolicited junk mail. Each time you enter a contest, make a donation, buy something on credit or with a check, order a product by mail or send in a subscription or warranty card, there is a good chance that your name and address will be added to a mailing list. These lists are valuable commodities which are regularly sold or traded. With a few smart steps, you can minimize unwanted mail and continue to receive mail you really want.

Here are 3-Steps you can take to reduce unwanted mail:

1 – Write or call organizations requesting that your name and address be removed from their mailing list. If there is a pre-paid postage return envelope, insert a note requesting removal of your name and address from mailing lists. Be sure to include the original mailing label with your name and address and account number, if there is one.

2 – If there is an 800 telephone number listed, call to request removal of your name and address from mailing lists.

3 – Write or call mail list brokers and ask to be placed on their “suppress” files.