Command strips to secure bookcase?

[Flutterby63]

Just started renting a new build flat. Walls are pristine. I have a Billy bookcase which we used to have screwed to the wall. I don't really want to risk it here. What do people think about heavy duty command strips, plus making sure I put heaviest items at the bottom and also possibly some small weights in front of it (so it's less likely to topple forward)?

There's no young children who are likely to visit so I'm hoping this might be enough to make it more secure?

Yes to the heavy books at the bottom.
Personally no to the strips & yes to the bracket.

I think it depends on what size your bookcase is (how high and the width) because I would probably say no to a high one but we have one that's about 1m which I have never attached to the wall.

Oh and also how many actual books there are on it or decoration type things.

I agree with the screws

but

Drill a good 7x40mm hole in the wall for each bracket, long enough to take a brown plasplug and a 4.5mm x 40mm screw. Tap the head of the plasplug a few mm below the surface of the plaster. This will reduce the risk of cracking. When you move out, don't try to pull out the plug just put a tiny dab of filler on the hole and press it flat, hard, with a metal knife. Wipe off the excess and when dry you can apply an equally tiny dab of matching paint. You may need to paint the whole wall to hide your repair.

For neatness, you can have the vertical arm of your bracket behind the bookcase, not above it, with the horizontal arm preferably screwed down into the side of the bookcase. You will need a pilot hole but another of your 40mm screws will be suitable. Not too close to the edge. Use the full length of your bracket.

When you buy a block of plasplugs, you will find the recommended screw and drill sizes are embossed on the joining strip, and there are sample holes in it to fit.

I have just been looking at the 2 tall Billy bookcases in my study, having read your post. They have never been fixed to the wall. They were originally in a carpeted room upstairs, and now sit on a hard floor downstairs. I can't even make them wobble! (They have got a lot of weight on them though). It never occurred to me to fix them to a bracket. Do you really need to go to the trouble? I know Ikea supply a bracket, but it doesn't mean you have to use it. (I, too, don't have children who might climb up them. My thinking would be different if I did).

Very much depends on your floor stability, and if you have any toddlers likely to pull it over. Solid and none? Don't bother.

Thanks all. I'm reluctant to put holes in the plaster, even ones you can easily fill.

It's 1.8m high and when I move it with my hand it currently has a tendency to topple forward. There's no books in yet though and I think maybe if I put books on the lower shelves (I have tons) and lighter items on the top, it might be OK (with addition of command strips on back).

It has glass doors but I've taken them off because it will definitely be game over with them!