Exemplary method, system, and computer program product embodiments for efficient garbage collection in a compressed journal file system are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, a map corresponding to data blocks with overwritten compressed journal entries is configured. Weighted conditions for each of the overwritten compressed journal entries are calculated. The weighted conditions are arranged in the map from lowest to highest. One of the weighted conditions includes a biasing variable towards selecting data blocks having free space at an end of at least one associated record. Additional system and computer program product embodiments are disclosed and provide related advantages.