TechnicalJuly 8, 2026 · by the Klickbee team · 10 min read
Pre-migration checklist: critical steps before moving your site
Careful preparation reduces stress on the big day and ensures your customers won't even notice anything has changed.
Key takeaways
A backup is only reliable if its restoration has been tested under real conditions
The target environment must be validated well before the big day, never the night before
Every form and third-party integration should be tested with real data before the switch
A final check 24h before gives you total confidence before pressing the button
Migrating a site without preparation exposes you to concrete risks: data loss, drop in rankings, prolonged downtime. Here are the eight steps that structure a serious pre-migration checklist.
1
Complete audit and inventory
CMS, version, plugins, database size, existing redirects, FTP access. Better an over-complete document than a surprise after the switch.
2
Full backup
Database, files, configurations, in at least two locations. Test the restoration before migrating: a backup that's never been restored isn't reliable.
3
Preparing the target environment
Compatible PHP version, required extensions, disk space, SSL certificate ready. Install a test version to confirm everything works before switching over.
4
301 redirects and SEO indexing
A comprehensive old URL to new URL table, tested before the switch. Neglecting this step costs months of organic traffic.
5
SSL certificate and switch to HTTPS
Installed, valid, with no mixed HTTP content. A misconfigured SSL undermines trust and penalizes SEO.
6
Functional testing and third-party integrations
Forms, payment, analytics, chatbots tested with real data on the target environment, not just in theory.
7
Communication and scheduling
A migration window outside peak hours, assigned responsibilities, a rollback threshold defined in advance.
8
Final check 24 hours before
A last restoration tested, forms rechecked, redirects confirmed, screenshots of critical pages for comparison after the switch.
If your migration comes with a redesign, our website design and redesign service covers it all: design, migration and securing the transition.
Frequently asked questions
How long before the migration should you start this checklist?+
Allow at least two to three weeks to work calmly through the eight steps, without rushing the tests.
What should you do if a restoration test fails?+
Don't migrate until the restoration is reliable. Identify the cause (corrupted file, incompatible format) and redo the backup.
Should you notify customers before a migration?+
It's not mandatory if the transition is smooth, but a brief note shows professionalism if something unexpected comes up.
A migration with no surprises
Tell us about your project. Fixed quote, no commitment, response within 24h.