Moving hosts: the checklist we use

This is the actual list we work through on a move. Steal it.

Before

• List everything: website files, database, email accounts, subdomains, cron jobs, SSL.
• Check the new host runs what the site needs (PHP version, database size limits).
• Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds a day ahead, so the switch propagates fast.

During

• Copy files and database; update configuration for the new paths and credentials.
• Test on a temporary address — every form, checkout step and login.
• Switch DNS, watch propagation, confirm SSL is valid on the new side.

After

• Leave the old account live for a week.
• Confirm email still flows (the thing moves break most).
• Cancel the old account only when a full week is clean.