Shipping Cost from Birmingham to Santa Ana, California

Moving a piano costs roughly $150-$650 locally and $500-$2,500+ for long distances, depending heavily on the piano's type (grand is more), weight, distance, and obstacles like stairs, which add significant fees. Expect to pay more for larger pianos (concert grands) and complex moves involving many steps or tight spaces, potentially increasing costs to several thousand dollars, while simple upright moves are at the lower end.

A piano dolly is cheaper for very simple, short moves on flat ground with helpers, but hiring professional piano movers is vastly better and safer for valuable, delicate pianos, especially if stairs, tight corners, or long distances are involved, because professionals have the specialized equipment (like skid boards, straps, dollies) and expertise to prevent costly damage and injury, making them worth the investment for peace of mind. DIY with a dolly risks significant structural damage, rendering the piano untunable.

Call your local piano store and see who they recommend to move it, as their piano mover may be cheaper than the house movers. I actually found this to be true when I moved my piano. Also, check with your local thrift stores that deal with large furniture, such as the Restore.