A memory system includes a memory array having a plurality of memory cells; and a controller coupled to the memory array, the controller configured to: select a garbage collection (GC) source block storing valid data, calculate a valid data measure for the GC source block for representing an amount of the valid data within the GC source block, and designate a storage mode for an available memory block based on the valid data measure, wherein the storage mode is for controlling a number of bits stored per each of the memory cells for subsequent or upcoming data writes.