Define what must be kept and for how long
Separate temporary uploads, active application files, and records that need long-term retention. Each category may have a different recovery window and access pattern, so avoid one broad rule for every object.
Check whether policy applies by bucket, prefix, tag, or object age, and how it treats versions or incomplete uploads. A rule with the wrong scope can remove files that an application still references.
Test the policy before broad rollout
Preview or simulate affected keys if the service offers that capability. Otherwise, begin with a small test prefix and confirm which objects would transition or expire before enabling the rule on production data.
Document the owner, purpose, and review date for important policies. Confirm that backups or legal holds are handled separately where required, and monitor lifecycle actions so unexpected removals are detected promptly.