[Object] To protect a large-sized article or a large number of articles from impacts and vibrations applied thereto during transportation.[Solution Means] An article packaging unit includes a combination of an outer box 1 and a packaging mat 2. The outer box 1 is an openable and closable container for storing articles, and has a cushion 4 for supporting an article P inside. The packaging mat 2 is formed by filling cushioning bodies in an airtight bag, and attached to an inner lid 3 attached to the outer box 1. When the inside of the packaging mat 2 is deaerated, the cushioning bodies increase the filling density, solidify the packaging mat 2, and come into close contact with the surface of an article P stored in the outer box 1 and hold the article P at a fixed position.