Got a new place or just need to shift your Roomba to a different room? It can feel tricky, but with a few easy actions you’ll have the robot vacuum back on its schedule in no time. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide that covers everything from packing the unit safely to restoring its cleaning maps.
First, turn the Roomba off and take out the battery (if it’s removable). Slip the battery into a small zip‑lock bag so it won’t roll around. Place the robot in its original box if you still have it – the custom foam protects the sensors and wheels. No box? Wrap the Roomba in a soft shirt or bubble wrap, then snug it into a sturdy cardboard box with a bit of padding. Don’t forget the charging dock; it’s heavy, so keep it upright and secure.
Before you unplug, open the iRobot Home app and back up the current map. Most newer models sync automatically to the cloud, but older units may need a manual export. Write down any custom cleaning schedules, no‑go zones, and preferred suction levels – a quick screenshot works fine. When you set up the Roomba at the new spot, you can restore these settings and avoid rebuilding the map from scratch.
Once you’re ready to set it up in the new location, plug the dock into a nearby outlet and make sure the surface is flat. Place the Roomba on the dock, press the clean button, and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. Open the app, go to "Settings" → "Home Base" and confirm it recognizes the dock. If the map didn’t transfer automatically, use the app’s "Import Map" feature and point the robot at the same starting spot you used originally.
Even if the map transfers, a new floor layout will have different obstacles. Walk through each room with the Roomba and clear away cords, toys, or anything that could snag the brushes. Use the app to draw new no‑go zones where you don’t want cleaning – for instance, under a new kitchen island or near a delicate rug. Run a quick spot clean to make sure the sensors detect walls and drops correctly.
If the unit seems to miss spots, check the side‑brush and filter. A quick clean of the brushes and a fresh filter can boost performance, especially after being boxed up for a while.
Now that everything’s in place, set up a new cleaning schedule that fits your routine. Most users start with a daily quick clean and a deeper clean on weekends. The app lets you pick specific rooms, so you can target high‑traffic areas without wasting time on empty rooms.
Finally, give the Roomba a full run‑through of the house. Watch it navigate the new space, and make note of any trouble spots. A few manual adjustments in the app will fine‑tune the map and keep the robot working efficiently.
Relocating a Roomba doesn’t have to be a hassle. By packing carefully, backing up maps, and tweaking settings after the move, you’ll keep your robot vacuum humming along and your floors spotless.
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