---
title: Understanding Storagely Website Caching & How to View Changes Immediately
slug: understanding-storagely-website-caching-and-how-to-view-changes-immediately
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-02-10T17:55:23.658Z
---

## Overview

Storagely uses a **multi-level, server-side caching system** to ensure fast page load times and consistent performance for website visitors. Because this cache is server-based, it **cannot be cleared using standard browser cache refreshes**.

For most site visitors, this process is invisible and requires no action. However, for users actively making updates to a website, caching can temporarily delay when changes appear.

This article explains how Storagely caching works and how to preview changes immediately when needed.

## How Storagely Caching Works

Storagely’s cache operates under two conditions:

- **Cache duration:** Approximately **5 minutes**
- **Refresh behavior:** Updates appear **on the next page view after cache expiration**

This means:

- Changes may not appear instantly after being saved
- A browser refresh alone may still show cached content
- Normal site visitors are not impacted in a noticeable way

## Viewing Changes Immediately (Queried Cache Clear)

If you need to see updates right away, Storagely supports a method called a **queried cache clear**.

### What Is a Queried Cache Clear?

A cache-clear query forces the system to load a fresh version of the page by adding a **unique query parameter** to the end of the URL.

### Example

[https://storagelyselfstorage.com/](https://storagelyselfstorage.com/)<font color="#EF4444">**?A1**</font>

Each unique query (<font color="#EF4444">**?A1**,</font> <font color="#EF4444">**?A2**</font>, <font color="#EF4444">**?A3**</font>, etc.) forces a new cache version of that page.

## Step-by-Step Example

### Scenario: When making Multiple Page Updates

You visit a normal page URL: [https://storagelyselfstorage.com/](https://storagelyselfstorage.com/)

1. A change is made to the page, such as a pricing change, text, or image updates
2. To view the update immediately, add a unique query to the end of the URL:
   - **Example**: [https://storagelyselfstorage.com/](https://storagelyselfstorage.com/)<font color="#EF4444">**?A1**</font>
3. You confirm the change is visible.

A second change is made to the same page.

1. To view the new update, apply a new unique query to the end of the URL:
   - **Example**: [https://storagelyselfstorage.com/](https://storagelyselfstorage.com/)<font color="#EF4444">**?A2**</font>

Each new query value loads the latest version of the page.

## Important Cache Behavior to Know

- Once a query (e.g., <font color="#EF4444">**?A1**</font>) is used, **that version is cached,&#x20;**&#x73;o a new unique query is required
- Revisiting the same query within 5 minutes will show the cached version
- After 5 minutes:
  - The cache expires
  - The **next page refresh** loads updated content

### Example After 5 Minutes

- Visit: <font color="#EF4444">**?A1**</font> → shows old cached content
- Refresh page → shows updated content

Both conditions must occur:

1. 5 minutes must pass
2. The page must be viewed again

## Best Practices

✅ Use unique query numbers or letters when validating changes immediately
✅ Increase the query value each time (<font color="#EF4444">**?A1**</font>, <font color="#EF4444">**?A2**</font>, <font color="#EF4444">**?A3**</font>)
✅ If time allows, simply wait 5 minutes and refresh the page
✅ Remember this only affects admins and editors, not normal visitors

## Summary

- Storagely uses server-side caching for performance
- A browser refresh alone may not show recent updates
- Use unique URL queries to preview changes instantly
- Cache clears automatically after 5 minutes on the next view
- This process does not impact new customers visiting the website

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Why don’t my website changes show up immediately?

Storagely uses a server-side caching system to improve site performance. Because of this, changes may take up to **5 minutes** to appear unless a queried cache clear is used.

### Why doesn’t refreshing my browser fix the issue?

Standard browser refreshes or clearing browser cache do not bypass Storagely’s server-side cache. The page may still display cached content until the cache expires or a unique URL query is used.

### Why isn’t my dashboard reflecting recent updates from the FMS?

If you’ve made changes in your Facility Management Software (FMS) and they are not yet reflected in the Storagely dashboard, a manual sync may be required. Storagely automatically syncs with your FMS at regular intervals, but certain updates (such as pricing, promotions, or unit availability changes) may not appear immediately due to caching and sync timing.

If you need to force an update, you can manually sync the pricing grid with your FMS by following this guide: [How to Perform a Manual Sync ](https://docs.storagely.io/storagely-product/data-sync#4-how-to-perform-a-manual-synchronization)

### What is a “queried cache clear”?

A queried cache clear is a way to force a fresh page load by adding a unique query to the end of a URL (for example, ?1 or ?2). Each unique query loads the most recent version of the page.

### Do I need to use a specific number for the query?

No. The number itself does not matter—only that it is **unique**. You can use ?1, ?2, ?test, or any value that hasn’t been used before.

### Why do I need to change the query each time?

Once a query is used, that version of the page becomes cached. To view additional updates immediately, you must use a new query value.

### What happens after 5 minutes?

After approximately 5 minutes, the cache expires. On the **next page view or refresh**, the updated content will load without needing a query.

### Does this affect normal website visitors?

No. This behavior primarily affects users actively making or reviewing changes. Normal site visitors are not impacted and will always see the cached, performance-optimized version of the site.

### Should I always use a queried cache clear?

Only if you need to see changes immediately. If timing is not critical, simply wait 5 minutes and refresh the page.

### Is this something I need to do regularly?

No. Queried cache clears are mainly used during testing, validation, or troubleshooting. For everyday site management, the cache will refresh automatically.

*As always, if you have any questions during this process, our Customer Success Team is here to help. The best way to reach us is by submitting a support ticket.*

**[Submit a Ticket](https://d1s7s.share.hsforms.com/297GkKIsiTSmDgSKUYT9s2g)**