Bryan,
I have great respect for your post, it is very concise and appropriate for a long distance move. Bryan like you said "unless your move is a short one", the orignal poster is making a local move and rigid packing standards can be lightened up, if desired. Yes, the OP should hire a professional moving company but it is possible he can do some packing himself to save on expenses.
The reason I make this comment is the cost to adhere to strict standards is no added value considering the low risk involved. If the OP's personal time is limited and he can afford the expense of having the goods packed and unpacked by a service, more power to him.
A risk is when you pack yourself you have little or no recourse with the mover/packer if there is damage or loss in transit. If a packer is a separate company from the mover aka transportation provider and there are damages, then there is a battle as who is liable for the damage, you lose waiting for an settlment. If the mover is also the packer you have recourse when there is damage and loss, you file a claim. However, the caveat is reimbursement for damage or loss is not at full or actual value, the mover will pay out an assigned value on damaged or lost goods based upon a weight formula or a percentage of estimated value. Then you wait. The OP's move is a local move, he can weigh his risks and make an informed decision
I suggested to the OP to do his own packing from my own personal moving experiences and from the fact I have 35 years experience in the U.S. transportation logistics operations: shipping domestic and internationally by all forms of transport. This includes hands-on experience with product, administration and management of warehouse operations, transportation contract negotiations (to include household goods movers), on site inspections of transport services, and of course filing claims.
I moved my own household goods from the states to the RD. My wife and I wrapped and packed all goods with family help into an 40 ft. ocean container. The container also included our camioneta. Everything arrived at destination intact and this was even after customs inspection.
The final choice is up to sarge as to how he intends prepare for his move. Let's wish him good luck.
Regards,
PJT