How to Move SharePoint List to Another Site

In this Guide:

SharePoint lists are essential for organizing and managing information. However, situations may arise where you need to move a list from one SharePoint site to another. Whether for restructuring or consolidation, SharePoint provides methods to perform this task effectively.


Steps to Move a SharePoint List to Another Site

1. Export the List to Excel

  1. Open the SharePoint site where the list exists.
  2. Navigate to the list you want to move.
  3. Click on the Export to Excel option in the list ribbon.
    • Save the downloaded .iqy file to your local system.

2. Create a New List on the Target Site

  1. Go to the SharePoint site where you want to move the list.
  2. Click SettingsSite Contents+ New List.
  3. Choose a Custom List and name it the same as the original.

3. Import Data Using Excel

  1. Open the exported file in Excel.
  2. Use FileOpen to load the .iqy file.
  3. Clean up the data (remove unnecessary columns or rows).
  4. Save it as an Excel file (.xlsx).
  5. Go to the new list in SharePoint, click Edit in Grid View, and copy-paste the data from Excel.

4. Use Power Automate for Automated Migration

For frequent or automated list migrations, Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) can be used:

  1. Create a new flow.
  2. Set a trigger, such as a button or schedule.
  3. Add actions to Get Items from the original list and Create Items in the target list.
  4. Map fields between the source and destination lists.
  5. Save and run the flow to migrate data.

5. Verify Permissions and Customizations

  • Ensure user permissions on the target list match the original.
  • Manually recreate any workflows, views, or list settings that didn’t transfer.

Best Practices for Moving SharePoint Lists

  • Backup the Original List: Before starting, back up the original list to avoid accidental data loss.

  • Maintain Consistent Data Structure: Ensure field names and types in the new list match the original to prevent errors.

  • Test Migration: Perform a test migration with sample data to verify the process before moving the entire list.

  • Document Changes: Keep a record of any changes made during the migration process for future reference.

By following these steps and best practices, you can successfully move a SharePoint list to another site, maintaining data integrity and ensuring a smooth transition for your team.

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