5. Don’t fill out warranties, raffles, give aways or freebies. The primary purpose of these activities is to get addresses. The chances of winning are slim, although they may out way the hassle of the telemarketing efforts.
6. When you attend tradeshows or conventions use a fictitious address. We went to a computer hardware show once because we were interested—sort of. The show wasn’t what we needed or wanted. Years later we are still getting flyers for other shows and related shows. The middle of the Hudson River has always been a good address.
7. If you’re planning on moving, don’t fill out the change of address card from the post office. Yes, it is very convenient to do so, but the post office sells that information to other companies who then send you stuff. Contact your family, friends and business associates (your bank, your credit card company) directly with your new address.
8. Change ZIP codes. No, I guess you really can’t do this, but it is a fact that the ZIP code you live in may increase the volume of unsolicited mail. The more affluent your community (think Beverly Hills 90210) the more likely a charity would rent a list of 90210 addresses. Perhaps rent a private mail box (the UPS Store) in a nearby ZIP code.
9. Don’t always provide information that is asked for. We never provide our fax number. Ten years ago, fax use was a very common way other businesses communicated with ours. Now, the only businesses that still fax information are the schools that we teach seminars at—other than the junk fax companies. If anyone wants to fax us something, all they have to do is ask.
10. Contact the company or person sending you information and asked to be removed from their list. They appreciate the courtesy as much as you enjoy receiving less junk mail.
Remember the old saying “it takes money to make money?” Well, it takes time to make time. By taking the steps to reduce your junk mail, you will get less mail. You will notice that you have more time and can fill it doing other, more important things.
6. When you attend tradeshows or conventions use a fictitious address. We went to a computer hardware show once because we were interested—sort of. The show wasn’t what we needed or wanted. Years later we are still getting flyers for other shows and related shows. The middle of the Hudson River has always been a good address.
7. If you’re planning on moving, don’t fill out the change of address card from the post office. Yes, it is very convenient to do so, but the post office sells that information to other companies who then send you stuff. Contact your family, friends and business associates (your bank, your credit card company) directly with your new address.
8. Change ZIP codes. No, I guess you really can’t do this, but it is a fact that the ZIP code you live in may increase the volume of unsolicited mail. The more affluent your community (think Beverly Hills 90210) the more likely a charity would rent a list of 90210 addresses. Perhaps rent a private mail box (the UPS Store) in a nearby ZIP code.
9. Don’t always provide information that is asked for. We never provide our fax number. Ten years ago, fax use was a very common way other businesses communicated with ours. Now, the only businesses that still fax information are the schools that we teach seminars at—other than the junk fax companies. If anyone wants to fax us something, all they have to do is ask.
10. Contact the company or person sending you information and asked to be removed from their list. They appreciate the courtesy as much as you enjoy receiving less junk mail.
Remember the old saying “it takes money to make money?” Well, it takes time to make time. By taking the steps to reduce your junk mail, you will get less mail. You will notice that you have more time and can fill it doing other, more important things.
Copyright 2013 Nancy Miller
This article is free for reprinting provided terms and agreements are followed.
This article is free for reprinting provided terms and agreements are followed.
Nancy Miller, a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience coupled with a Certified Professional Coaching credential offers both personal and business consultation. Nancy’s credentials include past membership in the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. She delivers over 100 programs nationwide each year. Her book, Clutterology® Getting Rid of Clutter and Getting Organized is in it’s 4th Edition