ᐅ How can I childproof Ikea Platsa units when installing them in a rental apartment?

Hello everyone, I am looking for a reliable method to childproof my Ikea Platsa cabinet in my rental apartment. My main goal is to ensure that the furniture cannot tip over at all, even if my children climb on it or push it. Since I live in a rental, I want to avoid wall mounting with deep anchors or drill holes that the landlord might not approve of later. Ideally, the solution should be stable but reversible or at least easy to remove with minimal effort. Has anyone had experience with securely and child-safely securing Ikea Platsa cabinets in rental apartments and can offer concrete, practical advice? Thank you in advance!

I would recommend always securing the cabinets with the supplied wall anchors, but since this can be difficult in rental apartments, you can alternatively place heavy brackets underneath the cabinet that press against both the floor and the furniture. Non-slip mats under the feet also help prevent slipping.

Benita, your concern about drilling holes in a rental apartment is understandable, but it is really critical from a safety perspective.

Benita schrieb:
My main goal is to ensure that the piece of furniture cannot tip over at all, even if my children climb on it or push against it.

Ikea Platsa furniture is not designed to withstand extreme forces, especially when children are climbing on it. Without wall mounting, it is difficult to achieve a completely secure solution. A possible alternative could be fixed ceiling mounts, such as tension rod systems with pressure poles, which do not require drilling into the wall. These are reversible and do not cause damage, but still provide considerable stability.

Another option would be to stabilize the cabinet internally with foam or rubber pads to prevent sliding, combined with floor plates. However, without direct wall mounting, there is always some residual risk. You might consider asking the landlord for permission to make minor drillings and have them professionally repaired when you move out.

It’s really important to ensure the safety of your children! 😊 I had the same issue with our Platsa cabinet and built a custom plywood frame that was secured to the ceiling and floor with tension straps—no drilling required! It holds firmly, even when the kids climb on it. You might be able to build something like this yourself or get advice at your local hardware store. Don’t hesitate; there’s always a creative solution! You can do this!

There are tested furniture anti-tip devices that use strong adhesive pads or minimally invasive fasteners. Make sure the adhesive pads are strong enough and suitable for the surfaces used, especially on wallpaper or painted walls.

Additionally, the overall assembly of the unit should be as stable as possible, meaning all connections should be tightened, and sturdy floor protectors can be used underneath to prevent slipping. As a general rule: without wall fastening, one hundred percent safety is almost impossible, but by combining different measures, the risk can be greatly reduced.

If you want to keep a good relationship with your landlord, don’t hesitate to ask about small anchor holes, explaining the safety reasons. Many landlords understand the importance of reducing accident risks.