First day of Schaumburg garage sale a success

The annual Timbercrest-Woods Garage Sale in Schaumburg got off to a strong start Friday, but residents of the two subdivisions expect even greater crowds during the weekend.

"The morning here was very busy, and I'm hoping tomorrow morning will be even busier," said Sue Haberer, a resident of Timbercrest for more than 20 years.

Among the usual clothes and books this year, Haberer is also selling a computer and public address equipment previously used by her husband's band.

During the years she's participated in the coordinated neighborhood sale, Haberer said she's usually successfully sold about 50 percent to 75 percent of the things she's tried to.

The 45-year-old sale was already an established tradition when she first moved to the neighborhood and her then small children would also sell pop to the shoppers.

"When we first moved here, it was absolutely crazy," Haberer said. "I'm not sure it's as crazy as it used to be."

Anna Niemic was supervising the sale of clothes, toys and other household items in front of her daughter Agata Opoka's garage in the Timbercrest subdivision Friday afternoon.

During the three years her daughter has participated, Niemic said it's been a great opportunity for other family members like herself to get some spring cleaning done as well. Altogether though, she thinks the family's selling success rate has been about 35 percent.

Haberer said she usually tries to avoid shopping among her neighbors herself as the point of the exercise for her has always been to get rid of things. But during the years she's hasn't been selling, curiosity has sometimes gotten the better of her, she said.

The last two days of this year's sale begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The two subdivisions are south of Schaumburg Road, west of Roselle Road and north of Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg.

For more information, visit richardgerber.com/timbercrest-woods-garage-sale.