Piano Shipping Cost from San Francisco, California to Greensboro, North Carolina

When relocating from California to North Carolina, expect professional movers to cost around $3,511 to $7,199, roughly $3,581 for a container move, and close to $2,435 for a rental truck. *Based on a 2–3 bedroom home and a seven–21 day delivery estimate. Final cost and timing depend on home size, distance, and season.

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 helps with short, flat moves but hiring professional piano movers is almost always better for safety, preventing costly damage (like a cracked soundboard or ruined floors), and handling stairs/tight spots, as they have specialized equipment, experience, and insurance for these heavy, delicate instruments. While a dolly saves money upfront, the risk of injury or significant repair costs usually outweighs the cost of professionals, especially for valuable or grand pianos.