Is there a way to maximize luggage space with two car seats?

[mamayogibear]

I have a small car and want to maximize using every inch of the interior. I am wondering if having the seats rear facing or front facing results in more usable luggage room...

Any suggestions.

Oh and both of my kids are 2+ but rear facing right now...

[Maedze]

Could you tell us a bit more about what car you have and exactly what it is you're needing to transport?  (And also, what car seats you're using?) 

[mamayogibear]

I have a honda accord and no clue what type of convertible car seats I have. I got them at costco two years ago. I'm just trying to pack as much as I can for the trip so mostly duffelbags and backpacks. There is also a big dog that is taking up the front seat (she wears a seatbelt). The trunk will be stuffed with camping gear, food and water.

When rear facing the edge of the car seat is flush with the edge of the seat but the back leans over the little 'floor space' but when forward facing the car seat goes a few inches past the edge of the car seat...

I guess I should just play tetris and find out:)

[greenemami]

I find that I can wedge a lot under the rear facing seats easier than a ff seat without worrying that it will come loose or interfering with dangling feet! Hth!

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by greenemami 

I find that I can wedge a lot under the rear facing seats easier than a ff seat without worrying that it will come loose or interfering with dangling feet! Hth!

Totally does. The wedging it loose is my biggest worry because the front of the seat just creeps over the edge of the seat instead of being flush.

[chel]

Have you thought about a cloth roof carrier?

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by chel 

Have you thought about a cloth roof carrier?

I have one that is rackless and just clips inside the doors. It seems really dangerous going down the freeway though! I used it on some windy mountain roads where I did not get above 55. I just think if I went much faster it would catch air!

[dejagerw]

My husband is a spatial relations master, and he can fit so much stuff into cars. Both our car seats are rear facing and he's never complained, or said we should turn them to make more room. I'm not sure of all his secrets, but I know he does stick stuff where the spare tire goes when we go camping. In the trunk there's the panel that lifts up where the spare is. He apparently can put a lot of stuff in there with the tire.
 

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by dejagerw 

My husband is a spatial relations master, and he can fit so much stuff into cars. Both our car seats are rear facing and he's never complained, or said we should turn them to make more room. I'm not sure of all his secrets, but I know he does stick stuff where the spare tire goes when we go camping. In the trunk there's the panel that lifts up where the spare is. He apparently can put a lot of stuff in there with the tire.
 

Duh! Spare tire stuffing! I haven't done that since forever! Thanks for reminding me!