The biggest task you will face is moving your data to a new Microsoft 365 tenant. Any organisation takes this decision when it grows or changes its structure. SharePoint list holds important business information like tasks, contacts, inventory, issues, etc. That’s the reason for understanding SharePoint list migration is important for a smooth transition.

Many users have very important data in SharePoint, and that’s the reason they are afraid to migrate lists. I assure you that with proper planning and the right approach, you can move everything safely. From my experience, I have noticed that the most important starting point is to map the list structure. If you have a pre-plan, then it is easy to Migrate SharePoint list to another account 

Why SharePoint List Migration Matters

SharePoint lists act as the backbone of many business applications. Organisations use them to manage leave requests, track big or small projects, and clients' records. This is very important data to any organisation, and that’s why moving this data with you is important while switching to a new SharePoint site or tenant. If anything breaks, then it will hamper the team's productivity.

A smooth migration makes sure that:

  • All the data that is stored in the list must move without any corruption

  • The column types must remain as they are.

  • All your views, older versions, and attachments remain exactly as they were.

  • Your permissions and data labels stay intact

This is the reason using a reliable method is very important while performing a manual way or using a professional tool. The main target is to complete the migration without any issues.

Related content:  Create a Form in SharePoint Online

Manual Method for SharePoint List Migration

If you prefer a built-in method, then SharePoint offers a few manual methods that will work fine but have limitations. Let’s go through them:

1. Export to Excel and Re-Import

  1. Open the SharePoint list

  2. Click Export to Excel

  3. Save the file

  4. Create a new list from Excel in the destination site

Limitations: This work is good, but it doesn’t bring attachments, permissions, or version history, etc.

2. Save List as a Template

  1. Go to List Settings

  2. Click Save list as template

  3. Check Include Content if needed

  4. Download the .stp file and upload it to the destination site

  5. Create a new list from the template

Limitations: This feature might not be available in modern SharePoint sites. That’s the reason it does not fully preserve complex customisations.

3. Power Automate Copy 

  • Build a flow to copy items from the source list to the destination

  • Map every field manually

  • Run the flow

Limitations: Attachments, version history, and permissions don’t get migrated automatically 

Manual methods are very useful, but they have their limitations and are only useful for small-scale businesses. For businesses that have multiple lists, custom fields, or lakhs of records, a manual SharePoint list migration becomes time-consuming and risky.

Read also: SharePoint Online Migration Checklist

A Smarter Way: Using a SharePoint Migration Tool

If you want a smoother, error-free experience, using a professional and reliable tool is a wise decision. The SharePoint Online Migration Tool can simplify the entire process by automating everything behind the scenes. Here is what it includes:

  • Migrate entire lists, libraries, sites, and subsites

  • Preserve metadata, version history, and permissions

  • Transfer large lists without throttling issues.

  • It helps in performing tenant-to-tenant and site-to-site migrations

  • Easy dashboard visuals for monitoring progress

For organisations that rely heavily on lists, this tool helps you in time, prevent technical errors, and ensures that SharePoint list migration happens smoothly.

Closing Words

Migrating SharePoint lists can be difficult at first, but with the pre-planning and tools, this process becomes much easier. You need to check how your list is built, pick the best method that is suitable for you, and make sure your data stays safe. If you want a smooth and hassle free transition, using a professional and reliable tool is a wise decision cause it saves alot your time and ensures that nothing gets lost during SharePoint list migration.