The IRS storage rule is not optional.
Precious metals held inside an IRA must stay with a qualified custodian and an approved depository. Home storage is treated as a distribution, which can trigger tax and penalties.
Depositories provide secure vaulting, insurance, inventory control, account statements, and audit trails that let the custodian document the IRA holding.
Common due-diligence questions are simple: which depositories are available, what storage type is used, what insurance applies, who audits the facility, and what the annual all-in cost will be.