Cut down on unwanted mail and paper

Each day we tackle a mountain of mail that seems to get larger and larger with each passing week. If you're anything like us then I'm sure you'd like to know the secrets of how to keep your paper mail manageable.

Reduce your credit cards

If you have more than one credit card then consolidate your debt onto a single card. Straight away this will reduce your yearly mail sack by over a dozen unnecessary letters and bills.

Even better join an online credit card. Like most online facilities online credit cards do away with snail mail and bill you via e-mail.

Utility bills

British Telecom know run an online paper-less estimated billing system. Like online credit card billing it means that your electronic bill is always at your finger tips. Even better there will be no paper bills clogging up your letter box.

Other utility bills like gas and electricity can also be thrown out as soon as they have been paid. There is really no need to keep it in a draw unless you are looking to switch utility companies - keeping a years worth of bills will allow a realistic price comparison when looking at a new company.

Throw these bills straight into the bin

Throw away any mail shots that are directed to the Owner or occupier. Lets face it, if it was an important letter it would have your name on it.

Throw away all mail aimed at getting you to sign up to a new insurance policy, store or credit cards. This will not only build up your mail mountain over the year it will also increase the amount of debt you pay back each year.

Stop the junk mail

You can stop most unwanted and unsolicited junk mail by visiting www.mpsonline.org.uk. Registering with MPS will stop any junk mail addressed directly to you or you family. However, be warned, it won't stop junk mail that is incorrectly spelt, from businesses that are registered outside the UK or from charities and companies you have dealt with in the best. To stop this type of unwanted mail you'll need to contact these companies directly.