I completely understand you're wanting to pack your things.
Twice we have moved cross country and both times I did all of the packing. When I was a child we did some large moves and always there was damage to our things. I really thought I could do a better job if for no other reason...I have a vested interest in having everything arrive safely. And everything did.
The movers were dubious when they arrived to load the truck. They could see that we packed ourselves (didn't use their boxes), but once they handled our boxes, they could tell that I had done a good job...nothing shifting and the boxes felt solid (no air). You can insure all of your household goods...even if you do the packing. We used Allied.
As for how much time it takes..it really can go quite quickly if your things are already organized. I packed all of my sewing things in several hours, and trust me, I have a bunch of stuff. I numbered every box and created a list with a short summary of each box. It made it very easy to unpack what was most important first at the other end.
Good luck with your move. :D