Shipping Cost from Sao Paulo to Gaithersburg, Maryland

A grand piano (weighing between 500 to 1,300 pounds) will cost substantially more to ship than an upright piano (typically weighing 300 to 900 pounds). For instance, shipping a piano internationally can cost up to $5,000, with costs varying based on the type and size of the piano.

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.

Moving a 500 lb piano requires preparation, proper equipment (like a heavy-duty dolly, straps, and blankets), and at least two strong people, focusing on slow, controlled movements, protecting the finish with padding, securing the keyboard, and using lifting straps for leverage, especially when navigating stairs or tight corners where it might need to go on its side temporarily. Always use the piano's legs for tilting, lift with your legs, and never rely on the small built-in casters for transport.