Deleting files may include identifying files stored in a storage device to delete based on one or more deletion rules. The identified files are categorized into at least a first group and a second group. Deletion of files may be triggered based on a free space threshold. Deletion of files in the first group may be triggered. If the free space threshold is not met by deleting the files in the first group, deletion of files in the second group is triggered based on one or more of prioritization and cost optimization.