The 10-Step Checklist for Migrating to Google Workspace

The Essential Migration Checklist

Migrating to a new cloud environment is a massive undertaking. Here are the 10 critical steps to ensure success:

1. Pre-Migration Audit: Analyze your current M365 environment for massive mailboxes and complex SharePoint structures.
2. Clean Up Data: Archive old accounts and delete unused SharePoint sites to save time and bandwidth.
3. Map the Architecture: Create a strict 1-to-1 mapping of users, groups, and permissions.
4. Communication Plan: Notify end-users weeks in advance about the upcoming changes.
5. Pilot Migration: Test the migration engine on a small group of IT staff or power users.
6. Background Sync: Begin migrating historical data (emails older than 30 days) in the background.
7. Delta Pass: Migrate the remaining recent data over the cutover weekend.
8. MX Record Cutover: Flip the DNS records to route new mail to Google Workspace.
9. Mobile Device Setup: Push MDM profiles to user devices to install Google apps.
10. Day 1 Support: Have a dedicated helpdesk ready to assist users logging into Gmail for the first time.