What program are you using? In LithUnwrap 1.3 you can select any number of vertices and then apply an individual mapping to it, eg: apply spheremapping to the vertices of the head. Or cylindical mapping to the legs. I you have mapped the parts in a useful way you can start collapse mirrorable parts, like selecting the right side of the head, flip it horizonticly and then lay it over the left side. The same goes for the legs, arms... Now you have saved a lot of space and you can zoom up and move around parts like the face or the hands to allow higher detailed textures. Use 512*512 to get a bearable level of detail.
Maybe use some advanced tools like tatoo?
Maybe use some advanced tools like tatoo?