diff --git a/RELEASING.md b/RELEASING.md
index 18f54b334..1cb718330 100644
--- a/RELEASING.md
+++ b/RELEASING.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Making a Release
 
+- Close the [release milestone](https://github.com/open-telemetry/semantic-conventions/milestones)
+  if there is one.
 - Ensure the referenced specification version is up to date. Use
   [tooling to update the spec](./CONTRIBUTING.md#updating-the-referenced-specification-version)
   if needed.