Piano Shipping Cost from Melbourne to Long Beach, 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.

Piano movers in Australia have broad charges that cater either for flat rates for local moves or an hourly rate for longer distances. Local Move (within 30km): $250 to $500 depending on access and size. Long-Distance Move (interstate or 100+ km): $3–$5 per km, which can bring the cost up to $700–$1,500 or more.

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.