Web Hosting Migration Guide 2026: Move to Hostinger, Cloudways, or Kinsta
How to migrate from Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator to Hostinger, Scala, Cloudways, WP Engine, or Kinsta — with zero downtime steps.
Migrating hosting doesn't have to mean downtime or lost emails. Every provider we recommend offers free migration — here's how to move from Bluehost, SiteGround, HostGator, or any host to your new platform.
Before You Migrate
Back up everything: files, database, emails, DNS records. Document current plugin/theme versions. Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds 24 hours before migration. Notify users if migrating production e-commerce during business hours.
Free Migration Services
Hostinger: free automated migration tool. Scala Hosting: free expert migration on all plans. Cloudways: free first migration via support. WP Engine: free migration with Site Migration plugin. Kinsta: free migration by expert team (best migration support we've experienced). InMotion: free migration on VPS plans.
Common Migration Paths
Bluehost/HostGator → Hostinger (budget upgrade, free migration). SiteGround → Scala Hosting (avoid renewal pricing). Any shared host → Cloudways (performance upgrade). Any WordPress host → WP Engine or Kinsta (managed WordPress upgrade). Any VPS → Kamatera (cost optimization with trial period).
Post-Migration Checklist
Verify SSL certificate, test all forms and checkout flows, confirm email delivery, check DNS propagation (24-48 hours), run speed tests, and monitor for 404 errors. Keep old hosting active for 7 days as fallback.
Avoiding Downtime
Migrate site files and database first, test on staging URL, then switch DNS. Kinsta and WP Engine provide temporary URLs for pre-DNS testing. Cloudways staging environments serve the same purpose. Never delete old hosting until the new site runs perfectly for 48+ hours.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Host?
Our experts have tested 50+ hosting providers. Get our top recommendation tailored to your needs in under 2 minutes.