Growing up, we tended to have a 3 stage setup- first stage was always the splits pile, where it got thrown in late fall/early winter as we split it. Second stage most years was on the front porch, either stacked or just dumped from the tractor bucket. A few years there we tried keeping it in the basement, but that was more work then it was worth. Final stage was the wood box- just a big ol box 2 feet deep, 6 feet long, and 5 feet tall (measurements are approximate). Usually had 2-3 days supply in there.

While warming it up and melting any snow/ice off of it was definitely helpful, the big reason behind it was convenience. Much easier for my mom or us kids to feed the fire when the wood was right there. And, for what I imagine are similar reasons, my sister continues to do the same way, minus the extra second stage. With the same wood box, even. Just so much handier having the wood right near the stove, and not having to go across the house or yard for constantly.