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Migration Checklist

TLDR: Before migration: get access to DNS, WP Admin, and current hosting; take speed tests (PSI + WebPageTest). After migration: verify pages, forms, SSL, and emails work; update DNS and monitor propagation; then remove migration plugins and decommission old hosting.

Require access to:

  • DNS registrar or Management
    • To implement Cloudflare
  • WP Admin as administrator
    • To migrate a copy of the site
  • Current hosting
    • Incase recovery or advanced migration is needed
    • Audit for email accounts/custom setup or integrations

Before altering site:

  1. Take speed tests of original site
    • 2xPSI
    • 2xWPT.org
    • Screenshot full page of the best result
    • If results are significantly different re-run and take average
  2. Implement GP best practices
    1. Cache if relevant
    2. Security settings
    3. Web/Avif mapping at server if on a new server
  3. Take speed tests of migrated copy
    1. 2xPSI
    2. 2xWPT
    3. Screenshot best result for comparison
  4. Compare before/after results and document any significant changes

Post-Migration Verification​

  • All pages load correctly
  • Forms submit successfully
  • E-commerce checkout works (if applicable)
  • SSL certificate active and valid
  • No mixed content warnings
  • Email functionality verified
  • Custom functionality tested
  • 301 redirects working (if applicable)

DNS Cutover​

  1. Update DNS to point to new server
  2. Monitor for propagation (can take up to 48 hours)
  3. Verify site loads from new location
  4. Test all critical paths again post-cutover

Cleanup​

  • Remove migration plugins from both servers
  • Clear all caches
  • Decommission old hosting (after confirmation period)
  • Update any hardcoded URLs if needed
  • Document migration completion in project notes