Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read
Move or rebuild: what is the difference?
A real move copies the files and database of a website from one server to another. That works with systems you own, such as a self-hosted WordPress site. It does not work with website builders: according to the Wix help pages a Wix site cannot be exported, at Jimdo content does not move with the domain according to the help pages, and Squarespace exports only parts. Anyone leaving those rebuilds and carries over the content.
What does a website move cost?
| Starting point | What happens | Cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress to another host | Copy files and database, switch the domain | State of the site, updates, extensions |
| Website builder to website builder | Rebuild with the new provider | Number of pages, your time |
| Website builder to own website | Rebuild, carry over content, redirects | Scope, features, texts |
We have not found fixed market prices with a sound method. Service providers usually charge a move as a flat fee or by effort. One hidden cost is the overlap: if the old contract is still running, you pay twice for a while.
How does a move work?
- 1
Take stock: all pages, addresses, forms, features.
- 2
Back up content and images.
- 3
Build or copy the new site, the old one stays online.
- 4
Set up redirects from every old address to the matching new one.
- 5
Check: forms, display, loading time, legal matters.
- 6
Point the domain to the new site, leave the email records unchanged.
- 7
Submit the sitemap in Search Console and watch for errors.
- 8
Only then cancel old contracts.
How long does a move take?
The technical step takes minutes to hours. Build and coordination take longer. In our first 35 projects in October 2026, the finished version with admin area was ready within 24 hours of the yes. Go-live was then usually possible on the same day as the approval, once the record had been set with the old provider. It was almost always this DNS step that held things up.
What happens to domain, email and Google?
- Domain: stays where it is, or moves with the transfer code.
- Email: keeps running as long as the MX records stay unchanged.
- Google: keeps the signals if all old addresses point to the new ones with 301. Nobody can guarantee rankings, but without redirects they are almost certainly lost.
What should I never do?
- Cancel the old contract before the new site is running.
- Cancel domain or email along with it without backing them up first.
- Leave the preview of the new site visible to Google.
- Let old addresses run into nothing without a redirect.
At freeehouse the move costs nothing extra and neither does the build: we take over all content, set up all redirects and send you instructions for the one DNS record. The first invoice comes when your old contract ends. Claim your spot on the waiting list
Who does what in a move?
| Step | who |
|---|---|
| build the new site, carry over content | Service provider |
| Set up redirects | Service provider |
| Changing a DNS record | you, or a service provider with your access |
| Check and approve | you |
| Cancel the old contract | you as the contract holder |
| Search Console and sitemap | Service provider |
The cancellation in particular can only be done by the contract holder. A good service provider tells you exactly when and what.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to have a website moved?
That depends on the provider and the starting system. A move from a website builder is always a rebuild, and its cost depends on the scope.
Can I move my website myself?
A WordPress site, yes, with some experience. From website builders only by rebuilding the site with the new provider.
Is my website offline during the move?
No, if the new site is finished before the domain is switched. Then there is no downtime.
Will I lose my emails during the move?
No, as long as the domain's MX records are not changed and the mailbox is not cancelled with it.
Sources
- Google Search Central: Website-Umzug mit URL-Änderungen, accessed 23 October 2026
- Wix Help Center: Exporting or embedding your Wix site elsewhere, accessed 23 October 2026
- Jimdo Help: How do I transfer my domain to another host, accessed 23 October 2026
- Squarespace Help: Exporting your site, accessed 23 October 2026
Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.
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