JunkMailed

Filling out a change of address form latetly, I was presented with something that dismissed any illusions I might have had that the Postal Service is on our side with respect to junk/direct mail:

I was presented with two screens (full screens here and here) that I had to specifically opt-out of before I was allowed to complete my address change. The recent revelations about the Postal Service’s financial woes clearly shows their heavy dependence on bulk/junk/direct mail. Basically, they are not motivated to help you stop it and they probably have never been.

The best advice in terms of address changes is to never do a permanent address change. This will get you on the lists that the Postal Service gives to direct marketers and will severely increase the amount of direct mail you get. Apparently a temporary (6 month) forward will not get you on the lists and you have 6 months to change your address with anyone the sends you mail.