How To Move A Cheap SSD Hosting – Step-by-Step Guide
Switching web hosts can feel like moving houses—stressful, full of files, and scary if you don’t know where to start. But if you’re on cheap SSD hosting and want to move to a better provider or server, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through every step, making the transition smooth, safe, and simple—even if you’re not a tech expert.
🚀 Why Move Your SSD Hosting?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” Some common reasons you might want to move include:
- Slow Performance despite SSD infrastructure
- Poor customer support
- Hidden charges or renewal price hikes
- Limited features or outdated software
- Need for better uptime or server resources
SSD hosting is already fast by nature, but a poor hosting provider can still ruin the experience. If you’re facing any of these issues, it’s time to move.
🧰 What You Need Before You Move
Moving your hosting account involves more than just dragging and dropping files. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Access to your current cheap hosting account
- Access to your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- A new SSD hosting provider
- FTP client (like FileZilla)
- Backup plugin or tools (for WordPress sites)
- Time and attention to follow through carefully
🔄 Step-by-Step Process To Move Cheap SSD Hosting
Step 1: Choose a New SSD Hosting Provider
Not all cheap SSD hosting providers are created equal. Make sure the new host offers:
- Reliable SSD performance
- Transparent pricing
- 24/7 support
- Free migration (optional but helpful)
- Latest tech stack (PHP, cPanel, etc.)
Popular options:
- Cheaphoster.net – Budget-friendly, fast SSD storage, free setup
- Hosting – Turbo servers with SSD and LiteSpeed
- HostArmada – Known for performance and solid security
Step 2: Backup Your Website
You MUST back up your entire website. If anything goes wrong, you can restore from your backup.
For WordPress:
Use a plugin like:
- UpdraftPlus
- All-in-One WP Migration
- BackupBuddy
These plugins can back up your entire website—files, themes, plugins, and database.
For Static or Custom Sites:
- Use FileZilla or your hosting panel’s File Manager to download all files.
- Export your database using phpMyAdmin.
Tip: Keep both file and database backups in a safe place—preferably on your local drive and cloud (Google Drive or Dropbox).
Step 3: Set Up Your New Hosting Account
Once you’ve selected your new provider:
- Sign up for a hosting plan
- Set up your cPanel or hosting dashboard
- Create a new database and user
- Install WordPress or upload your custom files
If your new host offers free migration, let their team handle this for you. It’ll save a ton of time and risk.
Step 4: Upload Files to the New Host
WordPress Migration:
If you’re using a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration:
- Install WordPress on the new host.
- Install the same plugin.
- Import the backup file.
- Done!
Manual Upload (Non-WordPress):
- Use FileZilla to upload all files to your new server’s
/public_html/directory. - Use phpMyAdmin to import the SQL database.
- Update your
config.phporwp-config.phpfile with the new DB name, username, and password.
Step 5: Update Domain Nameservers
To point your domain to the new host:
- Log in to your domain registrar account (where you bought your domain).
- Find the DNS settings or Nameservers section.
- Replace the old nameservers with the new ones provided by your new host.
- Example: CopyEdit
ns1.newhost.com ns2.newhost.com
- Example: CopyEdit
DNS propagation can take 4 to 48 hours, so don’t panic if your site doesn’t work immediately.
Step 6: Test Before Going Live
Use tools like:
- hosts.cx
- Your computer’s hosts file
- GTmetrix and Pingdom (for speed tests)
Check:
- Page load speed
- Broken links or missing images
- Forms and functionality
- SSL certificate (many hosts offer it free)
Step 7: Cancel Old Hosting (Optional)
Once you confirm everything works fine:
- Cancel your old hosting account to avoid being charged again.
- Make sure you’ve removed all personal data from the old server.
Warning: Never cancel the old plan before confirming your site is 100% live and working on the new host.
🔧 Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not backing up everything before migration
- Forgetting to update DNS
- Using incorrect database credentials
- Moving during peak website traffic hours
- Ignoring email setup (especially if you use domain-based emails)
💡 Bonus Tip: Use Free Migration Services
Many SSD hosting providers offer free site migration with new signups. If you’re unsure about handling this yourself, let the pros do it. It’s quick, secure, and hassle-free.
Popular hosts offering free migration:
- Cheaphoster.net
- GreenGeeks
- Hosting
📌 Conclusion
Migrating from one cheap SSD host to another doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can move your website seamlessly, safely, and without downtime.
Remember, your hosting is the foundation of your website. Don’t settle for slow speeds, outdated tools, or unreliable support—especially when better options are just as affordable.
Make the move today and give your site the fast, secure, SSD-powered home it deserves.