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Website Migration Checklist: Hosting, DNS and Email

Plan a website migration with separate checks for files, databases, DNS, SSL and email. Test the new setup before changing where visitors go.

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1. Record what is moving

Website files, uploads, database, software versions and configuration.
Domain registrar, nameservers and the complete DNS zone.
Mailboxes, aliases, forwarding rules and mail provider.
SSL certificates, scheduled jobs, integrations and payment callbacks.

Moving a domain registration does not copy a website or mailbox. Decide which services stay where they are.

2. Keep a recoverable backup

Back up website files and the database together. Keep a separate copy and confirm you can restore it. Record current DNS values so you can undo an unintended change. Do this before editing the old site or switching nameservers.

3. Build and test the new setup

Restore into the new hosting environment and check key journeys: navigation, forms, checkout, account access, media, scheduled tasks and email delivery. Keep a staging site out of search results during testing. For WordPress, follow the official migration guidance and take care with URL changes stored in the database.

4. Plan DNS and email separately

Record A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT and other required records. Preserve email routing and authentication records when the email service stays in place. Confirm new values and a cutover window before changing DNS.

Use DNS Lookup, MX Checker and DNS Propagation Checker to inspect public records. Resolver results are a sample, not proof that every network has updated.

5. Check after cutover

Verify HTTPS and the certificate on the real domain.
Retest forms, transactions and email sending and receiving.
Check redirects, canonical URLs and the sitemap if URLs changed.
Monitor errors and agree when the old hosting can be retired.

Keep a rollback route until the new service is confirmed. DNS caching and ongoing orders or submissions need consideration when choosing the cutover time.

A useful handover

Keep the final DNS records, backup location, restore steps, support contacts and responsibility for future updates in one place. Request a free hosting audit if you want help reviewing the migration plan.

Get advice before you choose

Send your domain and main concern for a free hosting audit. We will review the request and contact you before any changes are made.

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Get help with the destination and scope

Use the checklist alongside a website migration plan. Review DNS and email changes, backup scope and customer migration stories before setting the change window.