Storing at home

The easiest way to store small quantities and lower values of bullion is to take full possession of the metal, and hide it somewhere in your home, either in a safe, concealed inside a false wall or secret cupboard, or even buried in your back yard! This makes your precious metals easily accessible should you need to trade them for any basic necessities in times of trouble.

It may therefore be prudent to:-
Divide up your bullion holding and conceal in different places.
Choose a place that is not obvious to any burglars.
Remember that precious metals could melt if your house has a severe fire.
Not tell anyone about your precious metals, not even your friends as most thefts are usually linked by a common denominator

Naturally, there are also disadvantages to this form of storage in that it is a potential security risk, could either be forgotten about altogether, you may not remember exactly where it has been hidden, or if something should ever happen to you, would anyone be able to trace it? In addition, precious metals could melt if there was a severe fire on your property. It is unlikely insurance companies will insure it (remember telling the insurance company is like telling the government)

The wonderful thing about precious metals is their intrinsic value, which is easily identifiable and would even be exchangeable for goods and services in deeply troubling times and a couple of kilos of gold would not be difficult to take with you should you need to flee from political turmoil or natural disasters. Because precious metal (notably gold and silver) is a currency in its own right, it can also be easily exchanged with other currencies should you need to cross the border into a neighbouring country. A fairly grim picture has been painted here, but it may happen.

Larger quantities of high value should be stored in a secure vault and fully insured.