Compacting dispersed storage space

A computer readable memory device comprises:

• a first memory section that stores operational instructions that, when executed by a storage unit of a dispersed storage network (DSN), causes the storage unit to:
• receive a first encoded data slice for storage in memory that is organized as a plurality of log files, wherein the first encoded data slice includes a first DSN virtual address and first size information, wherein a log file of the plurality of log files corresponds to a block of the memory that includes a plurality of data blocks, wherein the plurality of data blocks is addressable based on a log file identifier of the log file and offset values, wherein a first data block of the plurality of data blocks includes an address of the log file identifier and a first offset value;
• a second memory section that stores operational instructions that, when executed by the storage unit, causes the storage unit to:
• identify a first log file of the plurality of log files for storing the first encoded data slice based on one or more of:
• the first DSN virtual address and the first size information, wherein the first log file is currently storing a second encoded data slice having a second DSN virtual address, wherein the second DSN virtual address is related to the first DSN virtual address;
• and
• a third memory section that stores operational instructions that, when executed by the storage unit, causes the storage unit to:
• compare storage parameters of the first log file with desired storage parameters associated with the first encoded data slice;
• and
• when the storage parameters of the identified log file compare unfavorably with the desired storage parameters:
• attempt to identify a second log file of the plurality of log files based on an alternate log file storage protocol;
• when the second log file is identified, store the first encoded data slice in one or more data blocks of the second log file;
• and
• update a slice location table to include storage of the first encoded data slice in the one or more data blocks of the second log file, wherein the first encoded data slice is identified in the slice location table based on the first DSN virtual address, the log file identifier of the second log file, and an offset value corresponding to the one or more data blocks of the second log file.