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How to Migrate Your Data Between Self-Hosted Applications

Switching from one self-hosted tool to another? Here's how to migrate your data without losing anything.

migrationdatahow-to

Why Migration Matters


One of self-hosting's biggest advantages is freedom to switch tools. But freedom is meaningless if your data is trapped. Good migration practices ensure you can always move.


The Migration Process


1. Export from the Source

Most self-hosted apps have export functionality:

  • Database dumps (pg_dump, mysqldump)
  • Built-in export tools (Settings → Export)
  • API-based exports
  • File system copies

    • 2. Transform the Data

    Different apps store data differently. You may need to transform formats:

  • Markdown flavor differences
  • Database schema differences
  • File organization differences

    • Scripting this in Python or Node.js is usually straightforward.


    3. Import to the Target

    Load transformed data into the new application:

  • Database imports (psql, mysql)
  • Built-in import tools
  • API-based imports
  • File system copies

    • 4. Verify

    Check that all data transferred correctly:

  • Record counts match
  • Files are accessible
  • User accounts work
  • Historical data is intact

    • Common Migration Paths


    WordPress → Ghost

    Ghost has a built-in WordPress importer. Export WordPress as XML, import into Ghost. Posts, pages, tags, and images transfer automatically.


    Google Workspace → Nextcloud

    Use Google Takeout to export everything. Nextcloud's migration tool imports files, calendars (ICS), and contacts (VCF).


    Jira → Plane

    Export Jira issues as CSV. Plane's import tool maps fields automatically.


    Slack → Mattermost

    Mattermost has an official Slack import tool that transfers messages, channels, and files.


    Best Practices


    Always Keep the Old Instance Running

    Don't shut down the source until you've verified the migration is complete. Run both side-by-side for at least a week.


    Test with a Subset First

    Migrate a small portion of data first. Verify it works, then migrate everything.


    Backup Before Migration

    Backup both the source and target before starting. If something goes wrong, you can restore to the pre-migration state.


    Document Your Process

    Write down every step. If you need to redo the migration or help someone else, documentation saves hours.