Keep a site move organized with backups, staging tests, email checks and a low-risk cutover.
Start with the checks below. Each step explains what to look for and what to try next.
Before migration
- Inventory the site, database, DNS, email provider, SSL and any scheduled jobs.
- Create full backups and confirm you can access them.
- Prepare the new hosting environment and note its resource and PHP requirements.
- Set a maintenance or content-freeze window if the site receives frequent orders or edits.
Test before DNS changes
Verify the new website with a preview URL or local hosts-file test where supported. Test login, forms, images, internal links and checkout. Prepare SSL coverage on the final hostname.
Switch carefully
Update only the necessary DNS records. Leave MX and other mail-related records unchanged unless you intend to migrate email. Expect resolver caching during transition.
After launch
Check HTTPS, canonical redirects, Search Console, contact forms, transactions and website logs. Keep the old hosting active long enough to validate the new setup before cancellation.
Guidance may vary by plan, control panel version and enabled features. Review the settings available to your account before changing live services.