The best places to store coal both inside and outside the home
Storing coal can be difficult as it can be quite messy to handle. Wherever you store your coal, it needs to be kept dry, secure, and easy to reach. Here are three ideas for storing your coal both inside and outside your property.
Storing coal inside
Storing coal inside the home isn't usually most people's first choice, but sometimes it's a necessity. Though it may not be as clean as storing it outside, storing a little coal indoors is important to ensure you always have quick access to keep your coal fire/heating devices topped up.
- Scuttle/bucket – Storing your coal in a bucket or scuttle offers the edge on convenience, as you can keep it within arm's reach of the fireplace.
- Storage chest – If you want to make sure your coal is kept out of sight, recycle an old chest or basket. It can also help you to store a larger amount indoors.
- Plastic containers – For tight budgets, or times when you only need a little bit of coal, a simple plastic container is perfectly fine for storage purposes.
Storing coal outside
Storing coal outside is preferable for most people because it allows them to store larger amounts and keep it out of the way. Here are some ideas for where you can store your coal if you're going to keep it outside of your property.
- Coal bunker – A coal bunker is a dedicated plastic or galvanised steel structure that's specifically for coal storage, keeping it out of the elements and eyesight.
- Dustbins – Either re-purpose an old bin or buy a new one if you don't want to go to the hassle of assembling a coal bunker. Either plastic or steel is a good choice of material.
- A pile – This might be a little messy, but just storing your coal in a pile is fine if you have the space and need maximum convenience. Just keep it under person-height for safety!
The choice is yours
The right coal storage depends on your available space, your needs, and your budget – don't be afraid to improvise. As long as your coal is accessible and safe, there's no "wrong" way to store it.