1. Keep the existing hosting active
Do not cancel the old hosting account before the migration has been completed and verified. Keeping the source online gives you a safer fallback while the new environment is being checked.
2. Inventory the website
- Website files and databases
- Domain and DNS provider
- Email accounts connected to the domain
- SSL requirements
- Scheduled tasks or special configuration the site depends on
3. Create a current backup
Take a current copy of the website before the move. For dynamic websites, make sure the database is included in the migration plan.
4. Prepare the required access
Migration may require access to the existing hosting environment, files, database and domain/DNS management. Share sensitive access only through an approved secure support process.
5. Verify before switching
Check important pages, forms, login areas, images and other critical functions in the new environment before directing the live domain to it.
6. Change DNS last
After the new environment is ready, update the domain to point to the new hosting service. Continue monitoring the old and new environments while DNS changes propagate.