Piano Shipping Cost from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota to San Antonio, Texas

A piano dolly is essential for moving an upright piano yourself, but hiring professional piano movers is almost always better and safer, especially for valuable instruments, because pros use specialized equipment (dollies, ramps, straps, blankets) and have the training to handle the extreme weight (hundreds to over a thousand pounds) and awkward shape, preventing costly damage and serious injury, which can outweigh the cost of movers. A dolly alone isn't enough; you need strong people, a truck with a ramp, padding, and expertise to avoid accidents.

Long-distance moves: Expect to pay $500–$800 for uprights and $1,000–$2,000+ for grand pianos. Mileage rates: Local moves cost $1.50–$2.50 per mile, while long-distance rates range from $2.50–$10 per mile.

The right time of year to move your piano depends on where you live. In general, cooler temperatures are best for moving a piano since extreme heat or cold can cause damage to the instrument. For instance, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to consider moving your piano in the cooler months.