Complete redesign and template change in 7.0?

Hello-

I'm looking to completely redesign my website and change the template I'm currently using. I would like to do this in a way that doesn't affect SEO, and allows me to completely swap my old site for my new design when ready. I would like to keep all page links the same, so pre-existing links to my website are unaffected.

Is this possible? What is the easiest way to do this? Duplicate the website and start over? If so, how do I swap my site for the new one. Or do I just go to the old site and click "new template". Will that allow me to redesign without affecting my old website?

I'm so confused by this, and there doesn't seem to be any resources available. Do I need to resubmit to Google Search Console after the redesign?

Commenting here as I'm in a similar situation and want to know the best solution.

Me too