Web Hosting

Website Migration Checklist

Move a website with a verified backup, dependency inventory, DNS plan, redirect map and post-launch tests.

Prepared by My IT Shop 2 min read
Website data moving between two server environments with a backup and launch checklist
Illustrative image: A controlled migration protects files, databases, DNS, email, URLs and rollback options.

A website move may involve files, databases, DNS, email, forms, payment integrations, analytics and third-party services. Treat it as a controlled change rather than a simple file copy.

Before the Move

  • Confirm domain, DNS, hosting and website administrator access.
  • Inventory files, databases, PHP version, plugins, scheduled tasks and integrations.
  • Record current DNS and email records.
  • Create and verify complete backups.
  • Crawl important URLs and prepare one-to-one redirects for changes.
  • Lower DNS time-to-live only when appropriate and with enough lead time.

Test the Destination

  • Use a protected staging or hosts-file preview.
  • Check pages, mobile layout, images, forms, search and logins.
  • Test checkout or bookings without creating unintended live transactions.
  • Verify SSL, canonical URLs, robots directives and structured data.
  • Check performance, scheduled tasks and outbound email.

Launch and Monitor

Change only the planned DNS records, purge caches and check the canonical public URL. Monitor 404s, forms, server errors, analytics and search crawling. Keep the old environment intact and secured until rollback is no longer reasonably needed.

Practical note: Changing name servers can affect website and email records together. Export and compare the full DNS zone before making that change.

Sources & Further Reading

This guide provides general information, not a diagnosis, guarantee or substitute for advice based on your specific devices, systems, contract or site. Confirm scope, inclusions and pricing before making a service decision.