A distributed storage system maintains multiple logically independent file systems. Each file system includes a data set stored by a storage device of the distributed storage system. During operation, access pattern levels for the multiple logically independent file systems are determined. Thereafter, the data sets included in the multiple logically independent file systems are redistributed across multiple storage devices of the distributed storage. Redistribution of a particular data set is based at least in part on the particular file system including the particular data set and on the determined access pattern levels for the multiple logically independent file systems. In addition, each disk of a plurality of disks in the distributed storage includes a physically separated partition dedicated to storing the data of the file system that is most frequently accessed. The distribution of data is based at least in part on the presence of the physically separated partition.