What Happens When You Run Out of Storage?
Your hosting plan has a built-in storage capacity that determines how much space your website and emails can use on the server. The larger the plan, the more storage you have – and the higher the cost. It’s important to find the right balance between cost and your required disk usage so you don’t run out of space.
In this article, we explain what storage means in the context of your hosting plan, the consequences of reaching your limit, and the warning signs that you may be running low.
What Is Website Hosting Storage?
Your hosting storage is made up of all the data stored on your server. This always includes your website – and its associated databases – and may also include your email hosting if it’s part of the same plan.
It may also be referred to as disk usage.
What uses storage:
Website files
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
CMS files & plugins
Images, videos, and audio files
Databases
- Website contacts
- Membership systems
- eCommerce websites
Emails and their attachments
- Sent
- Inbox
- Junk
- Deleted
Think of it like a filing cabinet holding all your website and email data.
This differs from bandwidth, which refers to how much data can be transferred at one time.
What Happens When You Reach Your Storage Limit?
There are two main consequences:
- Your website will generate errors and stop updating
- Your email will stop working
Website Errors
You won’t be able to upload or change content on your website. This includes updating existing pages, adding blog posts, uploading images, or making product changes. Additionally, eCommerce websites may be unable to process or manage orders in the backend.
To users, your website may appear to be working because they can still view existing content. However, they won’t be able to complete any actions that require storage. This includes submitting contact forms, placing orders, or updating their details in a membership system.
Emails Stop Working
You’ll still be able to view emails already stored on the server, but you won’t be able to send or receive new messages. Incoming emails will bounce, meaning senders receive a notification that their message couldn’t be delivered.
Because you can’t send or receive emails, you may miss enquiries and orders. Bounced emails can also negatively affect how others perceive your professionalism.
The Lead Up to Running Out
As you approach your storage limit, you may start to notice restrictions on file sizes and email capacity. Larger image or video uploads may fail, while smaller files may still upload successfully.
If your website is a Web Ideas Hosted Solution, we alert you when your storage reaches 80% and 90% capacity. At 95%, we automatically upgrade your hosting plan to minimise disruption to your business. To avoid ongoing higher hosting costs, you have one week to reduce your usage below 80% of your previous storage capacity.
Contact our support team to check your usage and arrange an upgrade or downgrade if needed.
If we are not your hosting provider, check with your hosting partner about their alert procedures. Ask when notifications are sent and at what usage levels. If you have access to a hosting dashboard, use it to regularly monitor your disk usage.
How to Fix It
The most effective way to reduce disk usage is to conduct an audit and remove unnecessary files from your website and email accounts.
Email is often the biggest contributor to storage use, so start there. Delete old emails you no longer need, and export important messages you want to keep but don’t need stored on the server.
For more detailed information, read our full guide on disk usage management, including what typically consumes the most storage and practical tips to prevent running out of space.
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Storage is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hosting plan. Reaching your limit can have serious consequences for your website, your email, and your business.
Make sure you have enough storage capacity to meet your needs.
Contact us today if you have questions about your web hosting storage or want to confirm you’re on the right plan.
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