Here are a few simple things you can do to help cut down on your share of a mail carrier's load.

Send a letter to:

Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735

Request the removal of your name from their files. Be sure to include your name (include all the creative spellings you have seen) and your full address.

Web:

You also can remove yourself from the mailing lists over the Internet by visit www.dmaconsumers.org. There is a $5 charge for completing the Web form.

Contact companies:

If you are receiving mail from companies you never knew existed, your name may have been sold or traded. If you would like to continue to receive mail from a specific company, contact them and ask to be placed on their "opt out" or "in-house" list only.

Check the box:

Warranty registration cards often have a check box (with very small type) at the bottom which asks the company not to sell your name. If you don't want to receive more mail, check it.

The average American will spend eight full months of his or her life just opening junk mail.