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Web Hosting Migration Checklist

Switching hosts is mostly safe if you do it in the right order. This checklist takes you from "before you touch anything" to "old host cancelled" with zero downtime and no lost email or SEO. Tick items off, then Print → Save as PDF.

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1 Before you start

Phase 1 · Prepare

Pick the new host and planMatch it to your real need (use the "Which web host?" quiz) and check the renewal price, not just the intro.
Confirm a money-back windowSo you can roll back risk-free if anything goes wrong.
Ask if they migrate you for freeMany managed hosts move your site for you at no cost — let them if offered.
Note your DNS TTLLower the domain's TTL to 300s a day before, so the DNS change propagates fast at cutover.
Inventory everythingDomains, subdomains, email accounts, SSL certs, cron jobs, databases, redirects.

2 Back up the old site

Phase 2 · Backup

Full file backupDownload all site files (or a host snapshot) to local storage.
Database exportExport every database (e.g. .sql dump). Keep a copy you don't touch.
Export emailIf email is hosted with the old provider, back up mailboxes before you move.
Save current DNS recordsScreenshot/export all records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT/SPF/DKIM) so nothing is lost.

3 Set up on the new host

Phase 3 · Build

Upload files & import databaseRecreate the site on the new server (or let the host's migration tool do it).
Recreate email accountsOr point MX to your email provider; keep SPF/DKIM/DMARC intact.
Update configDB credentials, file paths, environment variables, any hard-coded URLs.
Install/issue SSLProvision a certificate (Let's Encrypt or host-managed) before going live.

4 Test before going live

Phase 4 · Verify

Preview via temp URL or hosts fileView the new server without changing DNS yet (staging URL or local hosts entry).
Click through key pages & formsHome, top traffic pages, checkout/contact forms, login, search.
Check images, links and redirectsNo broken assets, mixed-content warnings, or dead internal links.
Confirm SSL and HTTPS redirectPadlock valid, http → https works site-wide.

5 Cut over

Phase 5 · Go live

Point DNS to the new hostUpdate A/AAAA (and CNAME) records during low-traffic hours.
Keep the old host runningDon't cancel yet — leave it live until propagation completes (up to 24-48h).
Monitor for errorsWatch uptime, server logs and analytics for 500s or traffic drops.

6 After the move

Phase 6 · Finish & protect SEO

Verify email is sending & receivingSend a test in and out; confirm SPF/DKIM still pass.
Re-test site speedConfirm the new host is as fast or faster; enable caching/CDN.
Submit to Search Console & check indexingMake sure robots.txt/sitemap are intact and you're not blocking crawl.
Restore TTL and set up backupsRaise DNS TTL back up; schedule automatic backups on the new host.
Cancel the old hostOnly once everything is verified stable for a few days.

Zero-downtime rule: never cancel the old host or delete backups until the new site has served live traffic cleanly for several days.

Hosts that will migrate you for free

Several managed hosts move your site for you at no cost — the easiest way to switch. Links go to each host's official site; confirm the migration offer and current pricing before buying.

Affiliate disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

CloudwaysFree migration KinstaFree managed migrations WP EngineMigration plugin SiteGroundFree migrator NexcessManaged WooCommerce

Related hosting tools: Which Web Host? quiz · True cost calculator · Speed checklist

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