Why businesses leave WordPress (self-hosted)
- Updates are your job. The WordPress documentation calls keeping WordPress, all plugins and themes up to date the most important step for security. On a self-hosted site, that falls to you or your service provider.
- Unused plugins are a risk. The official hardening guide advises deleting plugins you don't use. On many older sites they pile up over the years.
- Maintenance with nobody to call. Often someone set the site up years ago and can't be reached any more. With us, care is part of the hosting.
More on WordPress (self-hosted): costs, cancellation, domain and alternatives.
How the move works
- 1
Back up what's there
We take over text, images and structure. Under Tools, WordPress offers an export as an XML file for posts, pages and comments. According to the documentation, media files and settings aren't included, and we back those up separately.
- 2
Rebuild with preview
We build the new website. If you'd like, you see a draft first.
- 3
Point your domain
The domain stays with your provider. We only change the DNS records there so it points to the new site.
- 4
Email stays where it is
Your mailboxes are usually with the host. We switch things over so they keep running unchanged, or move them to us if you like.
- 5
Cancel hosting at the end of its term
You cancel your current hosting contract at the end of its term. Our billing only starts then, at the latest 5 months after you say yes.
Cancel WordPress (self-hosted)
WordPress itself is free, so with a self-hosted site what you cancel is the contract with your host. The notice period and how to cancel are in your hosting contract, usually in the provider's customer area. Before you cancel, check whether your domain and mailboxes are in the same contract.
Websites we've already moved




Frequently asked questions
Will I get WordPress again with you?
We rebuild the website, with its own admin area for text, images and pages. You get the source code and can keep the site running with any provider.
Will I still have to deal with updates?
No. Care is included in the hosting, and the hosting is cheaper than today. We handle layout changes, and 10 minutes a month are included.
My site has a lot of posts. Will they be lost?
No. We carry over your content when we move you. If you like, you see a draft first.
Will it be cheaper than my current hosting?
Our hosting is cheaper than with your current provider. The price is fixed and won't be raised.
Sources
- developer.wordpress.org: Hardening, accessed 22 October 2026
- wordpress.org: Tools export screen, accessed 22 October 2026
- developer.wordpress.org: Export, accessed 22 October 2026
Ready for a new website?
We're currently testing freeehouse with a first round of businesses. Claim your spot on the waiting list.