How to Migrate from InMotion Hosting to Bluehost (2026)
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InMotion to Bluehost is a routine cPanel-to-cPanel WordPress migration - the only complication is InMotion's two-layer account system (AMP for billing, cPanel for files) and their proprietary BoldGrid builder, which only matters if you built on it.
Confirm You're Migrating WordPress, Not BoldGrid
InMotion pushes their BoldGrid site builder heavily. BoldGrid is WordPress-based, but sites built entirely through its custom layers can carry extra baggage on export. If your site is a standard WordPress install, migration is clean. If it's heavily BoldGrid-structured, export works but may need some post-migration theme/plugin cleanup.
Method 1: Free Migration
Sign up at Bluehost, request free migration, provide InMotion cPanel credentials. Their team transfers files + database to a staging URL, you review, approve, switch DNS. 2-5 business days.
Method 2: DIY
- Duplicator: export from InMotion WP, import on Bluehost. Same-day, 1-3 hours.
- cPanel backup: InMotion cPanel → Backup Wizard → full backup → restore on Bluehost cPanel.
Full steps in the migration guide.
Handle These Manually
- Email: recreate on Bluehost or move to Workspace first - InMotion email doesn't travel
- Domains: registered at InMotion? Keep them there, just point nameservers to Bluehost
- BoldGrid-specific plugins/themes: may need reconfiguring on standard WordPress
WordPress-First Hosting
InMotion does everything adequately. Bluehost does WordPress specifically - the officially-recommended stack, the WP-tuned support, the managed WordPress tiers. For WordPress sites, the fit is better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is InMotion to Bluehost migration straightforward?
Yes - both run cPanel on shared hosting, so it's a standard cPanel WordPress move. Bluehost's free migration service handles it, or Duplicator/cPanel backup does it manually in a few hours.
Does Bluehost migrate InMotion sites for free?
Yes - request it in your Bluehost dashboard after signup, provide InMotion credentials, done in 2-5 business days.
What's InMotion-specific about the migration?
Their AMP (Account Management Panel) is separate from cPanel - billing/domain management happens there. Your actual site files are in cPanel as usual. Also: InMotion's 'Max Speed Zones' caching and their BoldGrid site builder are proprietary - WordPress sites migrate fine, BoldGrid-built sites need rebuilding on WordPress.
Do InMotion email mailboxes transfer?
No - recreate them on Bluehost email hosting before the DNS switch, or move to Google Workspace. cPanel email exports via Backup Wizard → Email accounts or IMAP sync.
Why leave InMotion?
Usually renewal pricing (their initial discount expires into a sharp increase) or wanting a more WordPress-focused environment. InMotion is competent general hosting; Bluehost's officially-recommended WordPress stack and deeper WP specialization are the draw for WP-specific sites.
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