Piano Shipping Cost from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to San Jose, California

Piano mover costs typically range from $200-$400 for a simple local upright move to $1,000-$2,000 for long-distance or grand pianos, with potential extra fees for stairs, elevators, or disassembly adding $5-$10 per step or $100-$200 for complex jobs, depending on the piano's size, distance, and logistical challenges like stairs or narrow hallways.

Wrap the Piano in Blankets. Make sure that every part of the piano is wrapped and there are no parts that are exposed. Secure the Piano to the Side of the Truck. Don't let the piano slide around the truck. Secure it to the side of the truck using straps or another method that will ensure it doesn't move.

A piano dolly is cheaper for very simple, short moves on flat ground with helpers, but hiring professional piano movers is vastly better and safer for valuable, delicate pianos, especially if stairs, tight corners, or long distances are involved, because professionals have the specialized equipment (like skid boards, straps, dollies) and expertise to prevent costly damage and injury, making them worth the investment for peace of mind. DIY with a dolly risks significant structural damage, rendering the piano untunable.