Moving your website to a new host: moving-day plan

Back up everythingFiles and database, on your own computer. The old host's backup does not count.Packed

Write down the DNS recordsCopy every record (A, CNAME, MX, TXT). Your email lives in MX and TXT.Packed

Lower the TTL to 300 secondsA day before the move, so the switch spreads in minutes.Packed

Sign the new leaseOpen the new hosting account. Keep the old one running.Packed

Move the furnitureUse the host's free migration, or a plugin such as Duplicator for WordPress.Packed

Test before you switchUse the temporary address. Check forms, checkout, logins and images.Packed

Set up the letterboxesSame mailbox names and passwords. Copy old mail with IMAP sync if needed.Packed

Change the addressPoint the A record or nameservers to the new host. Keep MX unless mail moves too.Packed

Fit the new lockMost hosts issue SSL once DNS points to them. Check the padlock.Packed

Watch for 48 hoursRing the doorbell with the landlord check, look at error logs, send a test form.Packed

Hand back the old keysCancel the old plan after a week of clean running. Download one last backup first.Packed

Moving day