14 Things That Used to Come in the Mail But Don’t Anymore
Mail used to bring many things into our homes that today arrive in different ways or not at all. Over time, technology and changes in habits have transformed what we expect to find in our mailboxes. Paper bills, catalogs, and letters have mostly moved to digital forms, changing the way we communicate and shop.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The mail has seen many changes in what it delivers, reflecting shifts in technology and lifestyle. Items once common in the mailbox, like paper checks and printed newspapers, are now rare or gone. Digital communication, online shopping, and mobile payments have replaced many traditional mail items. This article highlights 14 examples of things that used to come by mail but no longer do. Understanding these changes reveals how much our world has adapted to the digital age.
1. Paper Bills
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Years ago, most bills for utilities, credit cards, and services came in the mail. People used to open envelopes every month to check what they owed. Today, many companies offer online billing, which reduces paper use and speeds up payments. This change helps save trees and makes it easier to track expenses on phones or computers. While some still get paper bills, their numbers have dropped significantly.
2. Checks
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Paper checks used to be a common way to pay rent, bills, or send money to others. Writing and mailing checks was part of many people’s routine. Now, electronic payments and bank transfers have largely replaced the use of checks. Digital payment apps make it faster and safer to send money without waiting for the mail to arrive. As a result, fewer checks arrive by mail every day.
3. Catalogs
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Catalogs from stores used to fill mailboxes with pictures and prices of products. Customers enjoyed browsing them to find new items or sales. Today, online shopping sites and apps have replaced printed catalogs, offering instant access to millions of products. Sending catalogs by mail has become expensive and less effective for businesses. Consequently, catalogs in the mail are a rare sight now.
4. Letters
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Personal letters were once a major part of daily mail, connecting friends and family. Writing and receiving letters was a way to share news and feelings across distances. Email, text messages, and social media have mostly taken over this role, offering instant communication. Letters now come mostly for special occasions or official matters. The charm of letter-writing by mail has faded in everyday life.
5. Newspapers
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Printed newspapers were delivered regularly by mail or carriers to inform people about local and world news. Many households depended on them to stay updated each day. The rise of digital news sources and smartphones has led to a decline in print edition subscriptions. Online news can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making paper versions less popular. As a result, the number of mailed newspapers has greatly decreased.
6. Invitations
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Paper invitations for weddings, parties, and events once arrived through the mail. These formal invites were often kept as keepsakes. Today, many invitations are sent electronically through email or social platforms. This saves money and time for hosts and allows instant RSVP responses. Mail invitations still exist but are far less common.
7. Postcards
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Postcards were a fun way to send quick greetings while traveling or on holidays. They showed scenic photos or funny images with a handwritten message. Digital photos and instant messaging now provide faster ways to share moments. Physical postcards have mostly become souvenirs rather than everyday mail. The personal touch of postcards in the mail has declined.
8. Greeting Cards
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Birthday, holiday, and special occasion cards used to arrive in mailboxes, often bringing smiles. People enjoyed picking out cards and writing messages by hand. Email e-cards and social media greetings now offer quicker and cheaper alternatives. Despite this, some still appreciate the personal feel of a physical card in the mail. However, mailed greeting cards are less frequent than before.
9. Flyers and Coupons
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Stores sent flyers and discount coupons by mail to attract customers. They encouraged shopping trips or special deals. Today, digital coupons and targeted online ads provide faster, more personalized deals. Mailing flyers became less cost-effective and less popular for businesses. Paper flyers and coupons in the mail have nearly disappeared.
10. Magazines
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Many people once subscribed to magazines delivered monthly or weekly by mail. These magazines covered a wide range of topics, including hobbies, news, fashion, and more. The internet offers instant access to articles and digital editions. Mail subscriptions have declined, with many choosing online reading instead. Magazines in mailboxes are now much less common.
11. Checks for Refunds or Payments
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Refund checks or government payments were often sent by mail as paper checks. Receiving a check in the mail was a familiar event for many households. Nowadays, direct deposit and electronic transfers speed up payment delivery. This reduces the need for mailing paper checks and avoids delays. The practice of sending refund checks by mail is on the decline.
12. Official Notices
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Legal and official notices, such as jury summons or tax documents, were mailed to ensure delivery. While some still require paper forms, many governments and organizations move to online portals. Electronic notices are faster and easier for recipients to manage. Mail delivery of official notices is shrinking as digital options grow. This shift changes how people interact with official business.
13. Phone Books
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Phone books used to be mailed to almost every home, listing phone numbers and addresses. People relied on them before internet search engines existed. Now, digital directories and smartphones provide instant access to contact information. Printing and mailing bulky phone books have stopped in most places. Phone books in the mail are practically extinct.
14. Movie Rental DVDs
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Before streaming, many people rented movies by mail, receiving DVDs or VHS tapes. Services mailed the discs for home viewing and picked them up when returned. Today, streaming platforms offer instant movie access without waiting for the mail. The convenience of online watching ended mail-based rentals. Movie rental DVDs coming in the mail are a thing of the past.