Seeking consulting help for lightroom storage and migration questions

Question

Hi Lightroom experts,
 
I'm moving from my 2015 Macbook pro to a new computer shortly (about time right). I would be HEARTBROKEN if i lost my lightroom catalogue in the process as my external harddrive backups recently became corrupted (so those 'image preview files' are now very precious to me as they are my personal-not professional photos).
 
I'd also like to make sure i manage space properly bc i feel like I'm not doing it right and in general feel a bit overwhelmed in my research. I'd love to have a video chat with someone who can see my screen and educate me in these matters. If necessary, happy to pay for this service as I am a bit desperate to get this right.
 
Would you all have anyone to recommend?? Would LOVE the help!!!!!!
 
Sincerely,
CaitlinInMunich
 
{Moved from Lightroom Cloud to Lightroom Classic Forum by Moderator}

dj_paige · Answer

Instruction to move LrC to a new computer: https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-move-lightroom-to-new-computer/

Follow the steps exactly as written. Do not skip steps (unless it clearly doesn't apply to you like moving from Windows to Mac). Do not add in your own steps.

Read step 6 particularly carefully and DO NOT RE-IMPORT and DO NOT SYNCHRONIZE FOLDERS. Keep saying this to yourself: DO NOT RE-IMPORT. DO NOT SYNCHRONIZE FOLDERS. If you think you have to re-import or have to synchronize folders, STOP, DO NOT DO THAT. Do not even think about re-importing. Do not synchronize folders. Why am I stressing this so much? Because this is where a lot of people go wrong.

Optional: create a test catalog of 10 worthless photos (like photos of whatever is in your refrigerator) on your old computer. Then follow the instructions to move this test catalog to the new computer. If this doesn't work, you haven't lost anything because these are worthless photos; and try again. If you get that working properly, then do it on your real photos in your real catalog.

As far as managing space, you need to describe what you are doing and why you think it is inefficient.

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