diff --git a/doc/release/monthly.md b/doc/release/monthly.md
index dfde53fe3a..2e19fc5089 100644
--- a/doc/release/monthly.md
+++ b/doc/release/monthly.md
@@ -153,6 +153,7 @@ git tag -a vx.x.0.rc1 -m 'Version x.x.0.rc1'
 
 Merge the RC1 EE code into GitLab.com.
 Once the build is green, create a package.
+If there are big database migrations consider testing them with the production db on a VM.
 Try to deploy in the morning.
 It is important to do this as soon as possible, so we can catch any errors before we release the full version.
 
@@ -210,9 +211,16 @@ For GitLab EE, append `-ee` to the branches and tags.
 
 `v.x.x.0-ee`
 
-Merge CE into EE if needed.
+Note: Merge CE into EE if needed.
 
-### **1. Create x-x-stable branch and push to the repositories**
+### **1. Set VERSION to x.x.x and push**
+
+- Change the GITLAB_SHELL_VERSION file in `master` of the CE repository if the version changed.
+- Change the GITLAB_SHELL_VERSION file in `master` of the EE repository if the version changed.
+- Change the VERSION file in `master` branch of the CE repository and commit and push.
+- Change the VERSION file in `master` branch of the EE repository and commit and push.
+
+### **2. Create x-x-stable branch and push to the repositories**
 
 ```
 git checkout master
@@ -221,16 +229,6 @@ git checkout -b x-x-stable
 git push <remote> x-x-stable
 ```
 
-### **2. Set VERSION to x.x.x and push**
-
-Change the GITLAB_SHELL_VERSION file in `master` of the CE repository if the version changed.
-
-Change the GITLAB_SHELL_VERSION file in `master` of the EE repository if the version changed.
-
-Change the VERSION file in `master` branch of the CE repository and commit. Cherry-pick into the `x-x-stable` branch of CE.
-
-Change the VERSION file in `master` branch of the EE repository and commit. Cherry-pick into the `x-x-stable-ee` branch of EE.
-
 ### **3. Create annotated tag vx.x.x**
 
 In `x-x-stable` branch check for the SHA-1 of the commit with VERSION file changed. Tag that commit,