A packaging system for providing lateral support for a packaged appliance is provided. The packaging system comprises a carton sized to fit around the appliance and having opposing side walls, each having an aperture extending there through; a cross brace having opposing ends and a hollow interior space at each end, the cross brace extending between the first pair of opposing sidewalls such that the cross brace hollow interior space at each end communicates with an aperture; and a pair of plugs, each plug having an elongated body and a flange extending laterally from an end of the elongated body, the flange located adjacent the exterior surface of one of the first pair of opposing side walls, the body of the plug extending through the corresponding aperture and within the hollow interior space of one end of the cross brace so that together the plugs position and secure the cross brace within the carton.