The 90 / 60 / 30 / 7 reminder schedule, and when to break it

If you only set one reminder, you'll be rushed. If you set ten, people learn to ignore them. Four reminders, counted back from the notice deadline, is the sweet spot for most teams.

The default

• 90 days: time to gather usage, spend and alternatives.
• 60 days: time to decide, and to escalate if nobody has.
• 30 days: time to act, whether that's signing, negotiating or sending notice.
• 7 days: a last check that it's actually done.

When to start earlier

• Leases, which often need six to twelve months' notice.
• Audits like SOC 2, where evidence collection starts months before the report.
• Licenses with continuing-education requirements.
• Any renewal big enough to put out for competitive bids.