If you've always been the kind of person to buy one week's worth of coffee at a time, adapting to purchasing coffee in bulk can take some time. Suddenly, you have all of these beans to store and use. Buying a 2-pound bag of Colombian coffee, for instance, is quite different from buying a 3-ounce canister of your favorite pre-ground at the store. So, how do you adapt? Follow these tips.

1. Invest in a good storage container.

Coffee can stay fresh for several months, but in order to keep it fresh, you need to store it away from light, heat, and oxygen. In other words, you need a really good container. So, look for a large, opaque canister that seals airtight. When you get your two pounds of coffee in, you can put most of it into this container and stash it in a cool, dry place. Then, you can take out just a little coffee — enough for a week or two — at a time.

2. Buy a good grinder.

If you're going to buy coffee in bulk, you really have to go whole bean. Pre-ground coffee won't store very long, but whole bean coffee will stay fresh for several months. To do it justice, though, you really need a good grinder. Burr-style grinders are the best choice. They result in the most even grind, which results in a more consistent brew. If you're going to be buying big, 2-pound bags of coffee beans from now on, you really deserve to buy yourself a good one. 

3. Be sure of what you like.

This is a step you should actually take before buying coffee in bulk. Taste some coffee, and make double sure you actually like the type you're about to buy. If you can't find the exact same coffee to try, at least try something similar. For instance, if you're thinking about buying 2 pounds of a Colombian medium roast, try whatever Colombian medium roast your local store offers. Brew it how you intend to buy the coffee you buy in bulk. If you like it and have a good experience, then go ahead with the order.

Buying coffee in bulk can take some getting used to. However, with the tips above, you should be able to make the transition smoothly and easily. Soon, you'll discover some great coffees, and you'll be glad you have so much of them. To learn more, contact a company that provides options like 2-pounds of whole bean Colombian coffee beans.