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Make an inventory before starting
Record where your domain is registered, which hosting you use and where mailboxes are managed. Note the software your website uses and who has access. Consider your developer, an external email service and other integrations. These may be managed by different providers. An inventory helps avoid accidentally changing a working email setup during a hosting move.
Keep a current copy and your settings
Before moving, make a usable copy of files and databases. Record existing DNS and email settings before changes are made. Never put passwords in a public form or article comment. Agree with the new provider how required access will be arranged securely. Discuss what happens to new enquiries or orders while the migration is taking place.
Test the website in the new environment
Where possible, check the website before directing visitors to the new hosting. Test pages, images, forms, login and important functions. Look for differences in PHP versions or other software requirements. For a shop, pay particular attention to checkout and payments. A working homepage is a good start but does not prove that every component works.
Plan domain, DNS and email separately
Transferring a domain and moving a website are different tasks. Sometimes registration can stay where it is and only DNS settings need changing. Existing DNS answers may remain cached temporarily, so plan the transition and retain the old environment where necessary. Agree separately whether existing email will be moved. A website change should not silently interrupt business mail.
Check afterwards and finish deliberately
Test forms, mailboxes and secure connections again. Check that new information reaches the right place and agree who monitors things afterwards. Cancel old services only when you know which ones are no longer needed. Discuss a move with Drechthosting in advance. We review what fits the migration service and which parts need separate arrangements.
