Dressers and tall storage furniture can tip over, and CPSC says children have died in tip-over incidents. This guide explains what the US rule for clothing storage units requires, what CPSC says about anchoring, and what to check before you order. It covers US rules only. We did not read UK or EU rules for this topic. This is general information, not legal advice.

This guide is based on the public sources listed below. We have not tested any furniture or store. For measuring and delivery, see our guide to buying furniture online.

What the US rule covers

Source: CPSC, business guidance on clothing storage units (16 CFR part 1261, from the STURDY law). Last checked: 17 October 2026.

  • It applies to free-standing clothing storage units made after 1 September 2023 that are at least 27 inches tall, weigh at least 30 pounds and have at least 3.2 cubic feet of enclosed storage, such as chests, dressers and armoires.
  • It leaves out bookcases, office and dining furniture, jewelry armoires, under-bed units and built-in units.
  • The unit must stay upright in stability tests, including with loaded open drawers, a 10-pound sideways push for 10 seconds and, on carpet, a 60-pound weight hung on the most tip-prone drawer or door for 30 seconds.
  • Warning labels and an anti-tip device meeting ASTM F3096 must be packed with the unit.

What CPSC tells sellers and shoppers

Source: CPSC, Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products (Publication 254, February 2025). Last checked: 17 October 2026.

  • The guide says CPSC has received numerous reports of child deaths from clothing storage unit tip-overs since 2000, and that millions of dressers have been recalled for tip-over hazards.
  • It names ASTM F2057-19 as the voluntary standard for clothing storage units 27 inches and taller, and treats units in scope that do not meet it as having a defect that could be a substantial product hazard.
  • It points shoppers to anchorit.gov for TV and furniture tip-over prevention and says anchoring or tip-restraint systems should follow ASTM F3096-14.
  • Check recalls at cpsc.gov/recalls before you buy or accept a used dresser.

What to check on a listing

  1. Is it a clothing storage unit under the rule? Check the height, weight and drawers against the definitions above.
  2. Is an anti-tip device included, and does the listing say it meets the standard?
  3. Are the dimensions and weight stated, so you can plan where it goes and how to carry it?
  4. Will you anchor it to the wall? Plan the fixing and the wall type before it arrives.
  5. Used furniture: check recalls, the age of the piece and whether it has the anti-tip hardware.
  6. Returns: large furniture is awkward to send back, so read the return and delivery terms.

What we could not confirm

  • The text of the ASTM standards (paid), UK and EU rules, and anchoring methods for different wall types.

Sources: US CPSC, clothing storage units; US CPSC, Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products (PDF); AnchorIt.gov.