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How to check and free up disk space on Linux VPS

Full disk can prevent updates, databases, logs and applications from working. Before deleting any file, identify the responsible directory and keep a backup of important data.

1. Check the use of partitions​

df -h

Note the Use% column. The -h option shows readable sizes.

To check inodes:

df -i

A partition can fail due to lack of inodes even when it still has space in bytes.

2. Discover the biggest directories​

At the root of the system:

sudo du -xhd1 / 2>/dev/null | sort -h

Then repeat in the larger directory. Example:

sudo du -xhd1 /var 2>/dev/null | sort -h

The -x option avoids traversing other file systems.

3. Find large files​

sudo find / -xdev -type f -size +500M -printf "%s %p\n" 2>/dev/null | sort -n

Review the purpose of each file. Don't remove database, swap, or system files just for size.

4. Clear APT cache​

See the size:

sudo du -sh /var/cache/apt

Clean downloaded packages:

sudo apt clean

Review unused dependencies:

sudo apt autoremove

Please read the list before confirming the removal.

5. Check systemd logs​

journalctl --disk-usage

To keep just the last seven days:

sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=7d

This deletes old logs. Preserve records needed for auditing or diagnostics before running.

6. Check traditional logs​

sudo du -h /var/log | sort -h | tail -n 20

Applications must use log rotation. Avoid simply deleting a file that remains open by a process.

Check the Logrotate configuration:

sudo logrotate -d /etc/logrotate.conf

The -d option simulates without changing files.

7. Check Docker​

If you use Docker:

docker system df

List containers, images, and volumes before any cleanup:

docker ps -a
docker images
docker volume ls

Prune commands can remove stopped resources that are still needed. Do not run automatic cleaning without reviewing.

8. Confirm the result​

df -h

Monitor again after a few hours or days to find out if growth continues.

Frequently asked questions​

Can I delete everything from /var/log?​

No. Logs are important and some services depend on the file structure. Configure retention and rotation.

What takes up space even after deleting a file?​

A process can keep the file open. Check:

sudo lsof +L1

Restart only the responsible service after evaluating the impact.

How to avoid a full disk?​

Configure alerts, log rotation, backup retention and periodic review.

If you need help, open a ticket with Nice Hosting support.