Piano Shipping Cost from Ames, Iowa to Chicago, Illinois

A piano dolly helps, but hiring specialized piano movers is generally much better and safer than DIY moving, even with a dolly, because pianos are incredibly heavy (often 1000+ lbs), fragile, and require specific equipment (like skid boards for grands, specialized dollies, ramps, padding) and expertise to avoid severe damage or injury, especially with stairs or valuable instruments. While a dolly provides easier rolling on flat surfaces, it doesn't replace the skills, insurance, and specialized tools professionals offer for navigating tricky spots and protecting your investment.

Understanding Long Distance Piano Moving Cost For an upright piano weighing 300-500 pounds, you can expect cross country piano movers to charge between $1,200 and $2,500 for a coast-to-coast move. Baby grand pianos in the 500-800 pound range typically cost $2,000 to $4,500 for interstate piano shipping.

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.