A method includes instantiating a virtual resource and, in response to instantiating the virtual resource, generating a snapshot image comprising a base configuration of the virtual resource. The method also includes receiving a request to de-provision the virtual resource and, in response to receiving the request to de-provision the virtual resource, determining, using a processor, whether the base configuration of the virtual resource is in a set of highly utilized virtual resource configurations based on virtual resource utilization data. The method further includes, in response to determining that the base configuration of the virtual resource is in the set of highly utilized virtual resource configurations: reverting the virtual resource to its base configuration using the snapshot image and allocating the virtual resource to a resource pool.