Shipping Cost from Tokyo to Austin, Texas

On average, you'll pay between $2,000 to $5,000 for overseas shipping of an upright piano. This price typically includes basic packing, transportation, and standard insurance. However, costs fluctuate significantly based on the specific destination and chosen shipping method.

Piano mover costs vary widely, typically $200–$600 for local uprights, $400–$1,000+ for local grands, and $1,000–$2,500+ for long-distance moves, with bigger pianos (concert grands) and complex situations (stairs, crating, long distances) significantly increasing the price, potentially reaching thousands for international shipping. Key factors are piano type (upright vs. grand), distance, number of stairs, and special handling.

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.