Before you leave
Changing addresses is irreversible. Use a completion checklist to confirm that everything you need has left the inbox and that nothing afterward still depends on the old entry point.
The destination page should show that verification finished, sign-in succeeded, or the next step is open. Mail arriving only means the message is still in the inbox.
If this is not done: stay on the current address and submit the code again. Do not switch yet.
Open the link and wait for the site to show a result. A short-lived token often works only once, so check that it took effect before you close the page.
If this is not done: extend the address, then open the link. Switching addresses removes the message.
Save the attachment or download to your own folder and open it. The message body is not a backup, and the file is usually gone after the address expires.
If this is not done: download and open the file, and confirm the contents are complete.
Copy order numbers, campaign IDs, test results, and reference codes into your own notes or ticket. Later lookups should not depend on this message.
If this is not done: write them down first. A number that lives only in the inbox disappears with the address.
Bills, refunds, subscriptions, and dispute notices keep arriving after checkout. If any of those messages may still come, the temporary address should stay.
If a transaction remains: change the account email to one you control long term, and verify the new address.
Confirm the account also has a password manager, recovery codes, a phone, or another admin. If this temporary address is the only key, losing it locks the account.
If email is the only recovery path: switch to a long-term inbox or an alias before you leave.
If you still want updates, replies, or reminders, extending a short-lived address is the wrong tool. A forwarding alias can keep receiving mail and be turned off on its own.
If you still want mail: create an alias instead of extending again.
How to use this list
Switching addresses clears the current inbox and cannot be undone. If any line is still open, handle it first.
Codes, links, files, and numbers should be confirmed on the destination site or on your device, not merely seen in the inbox.
If a link is unopened or a file is unfinished, extend the current address. The old messages stay, and the entry point does not change.
Switch, or let the address expire, only when there is no payment, no email-only recovery, and no future notice you still need.
Definition of done
A temporary task is truly complete only when both conditions are met. Otherwise, extend the address first or move the account to a long-term entry point.
The result is saved, and you won't depend on the sender in the future.
Change the account email and verify the new entry point before the old address expires.
Keep a revocable route instead of repeatedly extending a short-lived address.
