Back up before you migrate: a short checklist

Moving a site is safe when you can always go back. Run through this list before every move.

1. Make a full backup. In LTT Site Porter create a package with both Files and Database ticked, and download both files: the archive (.spa) and installer.php.
2. Set an installer password. Without it, anyone who finds installer.php on the new server could run it.
3. Keep a copy off the server. Send the package to a storage such as S3-compatible storage, Dropbox or Google Drive, or keep the download on your computer.
4. Prepare an empty database on the new hosting and note the host, database name, user and password.
5. Upload both files to an empty folder, usually public_html, in binary mode. Compare file sizes after the upload.
6. Clear caches after the move, including your caching plugin and any CDN, so you do not see the old address.
7. Delete the installer files right after the install. Site Porter shows a button for this on the last step and in the dashboard.

Bonus: before plugin updates

A quick database-only package is enough before updating a plugin. Untick Files, keep Database, and build. If the update goes wrong, restore it in a few minutes.