How to Stop Junk Mail in 2026

Americans get about 41 pounds of junk mail every year. That's a lot of paper you never asked for.

The good news? It's easier to stop than you think.

Why You Keep Getting Junk Mail

Most junk mail comes from something called "direct marketing lists." When you buy something online, move to a new address, or fill out a warranty card, your info gets added to these lists. Then companies buy access to mail you stuff.

It's not personal. You're just on a list.

The Old Way (Slow)

The traditional advice is to visit DMAchoice.org and opt out manually. That works, but it takes 90 days to kick in. You also have to renew it every few years.

Some people try calling companies directly. That's even slower. You're on hold for 20 minutes just to ask someone to stop mailing you catalogs.

The Fast Way

Take a photo of the junk mail. That's it.

New apps like StopMailing.us use the photo to figure out who sent it and handle the unsubscribe for you. No forms, no waiting on hold, no tracking down contact info.

It's basically like unsubscribing from email, but for your mailbox.

What Actually Works

Here's what we've learned from people who've successfully stopped junk mail:

Photo-based apps get you off lists in days, not months. They automate the boring parts.

DMAchoice is free and legit, but slow. Good for a baseline opt-out.

Return to sender doesn't work. The mail carrier just throws it away.

Calling companies works if you have time. Most people don't.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to live with junk mail. You just need a system that actually works.

Take a photo, let software handle the rest, and reclaim your mailbox.

Simple.