A unified description for strange quark matter (SQM) objects ranging from strangelets to strange stars is presented, i.e., the UDS model. The important differences on the properties of SQM objects resulted from introducing the UDS model and conventional treatments are discussed. The previously neglected effects such as charge screening, quark depletion, and electrons in conventional treatments are found to be important for the charge properties and stability of strangelets as well as the surface structures of strange stars, which are now well addressed in the UDS model.