GitLab – Move data to different directory

If you’re running low on disk space or simply want to move the data this script will help. Of course modify the path as needed.

First double check your paths

df -h

# Backup GitLab Configuration
sudo cp /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb.bk

# Set the data directory path
sed -i "s|# git_data_dirs({\"default\" => \"/var/opt/gitlab/git-data\"})|git_data_dirs({\"default\" => \"/mnt/data01/gitlab\"})|" /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

# Prevent users from writing to the repositories while you move them.
sudo gitlab-ctl stop

# Note there is _no_ slash behind 'repositories', but there _is_ a
# slash behind 'git-data'.
sudo rsync -av /var/opt/gitlab/git-data/repositories /mnt/data01/gitlab/git-data/

# Start the necessary processes and run reconfigure to fix permissions
# if necessary
sudo gitlab-ctl upgrade

# Double-check directory layout in /mnt/data01/gitlab/git-data. Expected output:
# repositories
sudo ls /mnt/data01/gitlab/git-data/

# Just in case
sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

# Done! Start GitLab and verify that you can browse through the repositories in
# the web interface.
sudo gitlab-ctl start