Migrating WordPress when leaving IO

Since the documentation here doesn’t give much detail about migrating WordPress when leaving IO, I’ve decided to write about it a bit here. Note: I am migrating to another platform that uses WordPress to host websites so this is much easier than some options.

“Since both systems use WordPress, and you’re only interested in preserving the design and layout (not InflatableOffice’s booking or inventory tools), the migration is much simpler—but still technical. Here’s a step-by-step plan to safely move your website design:

✅ Goal: Preserve your current design & layout (WordPress + Elementor)

You do not need to keep:

•InflatableOffice cart/booking/inventory tools

•Forms, pricing, availability logic

🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Migrate Your Website Design

1. Set Up New Hosting

•Choose a new web host that supports WordPress and Elementor (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, WP Engine).

•Install WordPress on your new hosting plan.

•Since your new rental management system comes with hosting, & it allows you to manage WordPress files and plugins directly, you’ll use this option.

2. Back Up Your Entire Current Site

Use a plugin like:

•All-in-One WP Migration

•UpdraftPlus

•Duplicator

These plugins will package up:

•Your theme and child themes

•Elementor page layouts and styling

•WordPress settings and media

Make sure you export the full site, not just individual pages.

3. Remove InflatableOffice Plugins and Shortcodes

On your current site, many elements (buttons, booking forms) likely use InflatableOffice shortcodes. These will:

•Break or display errors after migration.

•Need to be removed or replaced with placeholder elements.

Do this after you back up, or during cleanup on the new site.

4. Import to Your New Host

•Install the same migration plugin on your new WordPress install.

•Use the plugin to import your website backup.

•You should now see your original design and layout.

5. Clean Up the Imported Site

•Delete any broken widgets or leftover IO shortcodes (e.g., [io_cart_button], etc.)

•Replace booking/contact forms with new plugins (e.g., WPForms, Ninja Forms)

•Test all pages for layout issues.

6. Reconfigure Your Domain (DNS)

Once your site is fully migrated and tested:

•Go to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

•Update DNS records to point to the new host

•This step makes your domain show the new site

Do not cancel InflatableOffice until:

✅ New site looks right

✅ Pages load properly

✅ Forms work and contact info is correct

✅ You’ve updated DNS and verified it’s live

⸻

🧰 Optional Tools to Replace Broken Features

If needed, you can rebuild features later using these:

•Booking Forms: Amelia, WP Simple Booking Calendar, or WPForms

•Pricing Tables: Elementor Pricing Widgets or TablePress

•Event Calendars: Modern Events Calendar or The Events Calendar

•Contact Forms: WPForms or Ninja Forms

⸻

⚠ Tips

•Take screenshots of each page in case design breaks

•Use a staging environment if your new host offers one (lets you test before going live)

•Don’t delete anything on InflatableOffice until you’re confident the new site is live and functional