Your existing hosting can usually stay active while the new website is being built. Keeping it in place means the current public website can continue operating until the replacement is ready.
During the website build
The old hosting is normally left alone unless Toolbelt Websites needs specific access or a change is required for the project. You should avoid cancelling or changing hosting, domain or DNS services unless asked to do so.
During the transition
When the new website is ready, domain or DNS changes may be required. The old hosting can remain active during this period while the new website becomes the public destination.
Do not assume the old account is redundant the moment a DNS change is made. Some visitors may temporarily see different versions while DNS and caches update.
Check for services tied to the old account
Old hosting may also contain business email, mailboxes, databases, files, redirects or other services. These need to be understood before anything is cancelled.
See Does moving my website affect email hosting? and When can I cancel my old hosting?.
Last updated: 8 September 2026