How to transfer data from one laptop to another...?

i have found external hard drive to be the most reliable method

connect it
copy documents, videos, pictures, downloads etc,
to a new folder on the drive name it xxxlaptop personal files

start the process goto bed

next evening connect drive to new laptop copy folder to new laptop
goto bed

i know when i do this it takes hours
best to have it do so while i'm sleeping and don't need the laptop