Why You’re Getting More Mail Than Ever—and What to Do About It

In a world obsessed with instant messages, push notifications, and algorithm-fed social feeds, it might seem surprising that your physical mailbox is overflowing again. But if you’ve felt like you’re wading through more paper lately, you’re not imagining it.

In 2025, Americans are receiving more mail than they have in over a decade. From political flyers to insurance offers, catalogs to suspicious “final notice” letters, your daily stack of envelopes may feel like a throwback to the 1990s.

So why is snail mail booming again—and more importantly, what should you actually keep, toss, or shred to stay safe and sane?

Why You’re Suddenly Swimming in Paper

Mail in a post office
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Several factors are driving this resurgence in paper mail. First, marketing budgets are shifting. With digital advertising costs skyrocketing and privacy changes making targeted online ads less effective, companies are returning to the old reliable: direct mail.

Direct mail response rates can be surprisingly strong, especially among older Americans and households that distrust online marketing. Recent industry data shows that people are more likely to open a physical letter than click an email from a brand.

Second, election season is fueling the flood. Political campaigns rely heavily on mailers to reach voters directly, especially in local and state races where face-to-face campaigning is limited.

Third, subscription services and catalog companies have discovered that a beautifully designed catalog can inspire bigger spending sprees than digital-only promotions.

Finally, scammers have caught on. Fraudulent mail disguised as official notices, fake sweepstakes, and phony charity solicitations are surging alongside legitimate mail.

Your New Mail Reality: How to Take Control

Pile of mail
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Facing a daily pile of envelopes can feel overwhelming, but a smart system can transform your approach from reactive panic to calm control.

Here’s what to do: shred, save, or scan.

What to Shred Immediately

The golden rule: if it has personal information, shred it. Identity thieves thrive on details as small as your address combined with a bank logo.

Shred these without hesitation:

  • Credit card offers and “pre-approved” loan letters. These can be used to open fraudulent accounts if intercepted.
  • Bank and credit union statements you don’t need for tax or personal records.
  • Insurance policy updates with personal identifiers.
  • Medical bills or explanation of benefits statements that you don’t need to dispute.

A good cross-cut shredder is a worthwhile investment. Consider it a guard dog for your personal information — silent, but fiercely protective.

What to Save (At Least for a While)

Some documents are worth keeping, at least temporarily.

Save these:

  • Tax documents and year-end financial statements. The IRS recommends you keep tax records for at least three years (sometimes up to seven depending on the situation).
  • Property records and home improvement receipts. These may affect capital gains tax calculations when you sell your home.
  • Warranty documents and receipts for major purchases. You might need them if something breaks or you file a claim.
  • Official government correspondence. Think Social Security notices, Medicare letters, and jury duty summons.

Organize them in a labeled filing system or accordion folder so you can find them when needed. If you have trouble letting go, remember: clutter isn’t safety — it’s just clutter.