A method of forming a packaging brace for a washing machine appliance includes providing a flat blank. The method also includes folding a left side panel and a right side panel of the flat blank inwards towards each other. The method further includes positioning a bottom panel of the blank above an opening in a cabinet of the washing machine and inserting the bottom panel into a basket of the washing machine through the opening whereby a contoured profile of the opening urges the blank to fold and form a packaging brace for the washing machine appliance.