Piano Shipping Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Moving a piano costs roughly $150–$650 locally and $500–$3,000+ long-distance, varying heavily by piano type (upright vs. grand), distance, stairs/obstacles, and if it needs climate control, with grand pianos and complex moves costing significantly more due to specialized equipment and expertise required. Expect extra fees for flights of stairs ($5-$10 per step) or tricky access, with digital pianos being the cheapest option.

To ship a piano out of state, hire specialized piano movers for white glove service, using their expertise for secure crating, padding, and transport in climate-controlled trucks, which is the safest method for delicate instruments. For DIY or smaller electric pianos, use a sturdy box, lots of padding (bubble wrap/blankets), strap it securely to a pallet, and use heavy-duty straps for transport, but professional movers are always recommended for long distances to protect the investment.

Lifting such a monstrous piece of equipment is back-breaking work, even if you're only lifting it onto a dolly. Many times, confident homeowners attempt to lift a piano and not only damage the instrument but injure themselves. Next time, err on the side of caution: let professionals handle the heavy lifting instead.