ᐅ KALLAX feels less stable after emptying it – is that normal?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA KALLAX shelving unit that I recently emptied completely to reorganize it. I noticed that the shelf seems noticeably wobblier after emptying, even though I placed it back in the same spot and did not loosen or remove any screws.

My question is: Is it normal for a KALLAX shelving unit to become less stable or wobblier after being emptied? Or could this indicate a construction error or material fatigue?

I look forward to your assessments and tips on how to restore stability without having to fully reassemble the unit.

The shelf is often stabilized by the weight of the stored items. When you empty it, this stabilization is missing, so it feels wobblier. Also, check if the back panel is properly fitted and all screws are tightened.

Exactly! That’s actually normal ;-) The KALLAX shelves become more stable due to the weight and how they are loaded – it’s like a bookshelf! Just put a few books in and try it out, and you’ll notice the difference right away. Good luck, you can do it!

Devin schrieb:
The shelf is often stabilized by the weight of the stored items.

That may be true, but I find it problematic from a design perspective. A piece of furniture should remain stable even when empty, without noticeable movement. Wobbling after unloading could indicate insufficient joint connections or an inadequate back panel.

Does anyone know of technical specifications or material data that describe stability in the empty state? I suspect there is room for improvement with KALLAX.

From my experience with KALLAX, the back panel is made of thin material and mainly provides lateral stability. If this back panel is not properly seated after emptying or has been warped by the internal pressure of the compartments, wobbling can occur.

A tip: Check all connections and, if necessary, reinstall the back panel. If the back panel is damaged or bent, it may help to attach a thinner wooden board as reinforcement.

I share a similar view to ODINFLO.

The concept of weight distribution is understandable, but a sturdy piece of furniture should remain stable even when empty.

If the shelf was stable before and now wobbles after being emptied, this could indicate deformation or loose fasteners.

It would be helpful to review the assembly instructions again and pay close attention to the connection points – not all KALLAX models are manufactured exactly the same.