Techniques for improving performance of a backup system are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for improving performance of a backup system. The method may comprise performing a backup of a client device, tracking, using at least one computer processor, references to data segments that are located outside of a unit of storage associated with the backup, calculating utilization of the unit of storage associated with the backup based on the tracked references, determining if the calculated utilization meets a specified parameter, and determining one or more responsive actions in the event the calculated utilization meets the specified parameter.