If you can barely squeeze out a drop of water, the moisture level is ideal. If the pile is too dry, add water, and check the moisture again. If it is too wet, mix in some drier material. Continue adding energy material and bulking agent, mixing, and checking moisture until the pile is built. You do not need a bin or other container to make compost.
Piles work well.
Some people prefer containers because they look neater, or because it is easier to shield them from pests. Containers can be simple or fancy. Make them from materials such as old pallets, lumber, mesh fencing, or cinder blocks. For hot compost, each bin should be about 3 feet by3 feet by 3 feet in size. Sometimes you may have several problems to overcome.