Katie Sims
Katie has been writing freelance since early 2022, specialising in all things homes and gardens. She started out writing e-commerce content for several of Future’s interior titles, including Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Livingetc, and Homes and Gardens.
Since then she’s been a regular contributor on Ideal Home’s digital team, covering news topics, how-to guides, and product reviews. She also writes for woman&home.
After graduating with an English Literature and History degree, Katie qualified with a Masters in Media and Journalism from Newcastle University in 2021, and hopes to continue producing engaging digital content in the future.
Latest articles by Katie Sims
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What to do with an old duvet — clever ways to reuse it at home or recycle it
All the eco-friendly ways to dispose or repurpose a duvet that's past its best
By Katie Sims
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I spent a month testing the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 30L and was impressed by how quickly it reduced the humidity in my damp flat
The 30L Duux dehumidifier comes with a hefty price tag, but are the power and smart features worth the investment?
By Katie Sims
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I tried Salter's espresso machine — it might be the best budget-friendly way to enjoy coffee at home
It's affordable, but does the coffee make it worth your cash?
By Katie Sims
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Can you grow succulents outdoors? The varieties that will thrive in your garden for a unique and low-maintenance display
Everything you need to know about helping succulents grow outdoors
By Katie Sims
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Is the VAX HomePro Pet-Design Cordless Vacuum worth investing in? I tested it for three weeks to find out
This review puts the VAX HomePro Pet-Design to the test to see if it's worth the price tag
By Katie Sims
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How to organise a small wardrobe with lots of clothes — 6 tips to transform your wardrobe from chaos to calm
Pro organisers share space-savvy hacks for smaller wardrobes
By Katie Sims
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Can you clean curtains with a steam cleaner? Experts reveal the curtain materials you can use this time-saving cleaning hack on
Save time and steam-clean your curtains
By Katie Sims
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How to dry clothes in a small space
The clever laundry solutions to suit compact living areas
By Katie Sims
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How to remove algae from a patio — expert tips to banish the mossy substance for good
Follow this advice from the experts and watch stubborn algae wash away
By Katie Sims
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When to cut back pampas grass — gardening pros share the best time to start cutting to give the plant a second lease of life
Gardening experts reveal the perfect time to cut back this feathery plant
By Katie Sims
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This Hoover vacuum has become my ultimate lazy cleaning hack thanks to this clever attachment
After testing the Hoover HFX CORNER GENIE technology for a few weeks I'm officially obsessed
By Katie Sims
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Professional organisers warn that these 3 storage solutions will make it harder to stay organised, not easier
If you're using any of these storage solutions, you might be creating more problems than you're solving
By Katie Sims
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Garden experts reveal their tricks for growing potatoes in containers — the easy, hassle-free way to grow your own spuds
Follow these steps and you'll be able to enjoy a bounty of potatoes this year
By Katie Sims
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What is a rimless toilet? Bathroom experts explain the advantages rimless toilets have to offer
Rimless toilets are more hygienic but expensive - so, are they worth it?
By Katie Sims
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Can you put Le Creuset in the dishwasher? Experts share key facts that will help prolong the life of your cookware
Key do's and don'ts when it comes to washing your Le Creuset pieces
By Katie Sims
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Can you use Le Creuset on an induction stove? Experts explain what you need to know about using cast iron on an induction hob
Everything you need to know about using cast iron cookware on an induction hob
By Katie Sims
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How long do sweet peas take to germinate? Experts explain long how you'll need to wait and ways to speed it up
Patience is a virtue when it comes to growing beautiful flowers, but this is how long you can expect sweet peas to take
By Katie Sims
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What to do with a pond in winter — five measures to take care of your garden’s water feature this winter
Help your pond survive the cold snap with these expert tips
By Katie Sims
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Stacey Solomon has shared 5 nifty wardrobe storage hacks to make getting ready in the morning easier — and they're genius
These five wardrobe storage hacks are a gamechanger
By Katie Sims
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What is a Tree Preservation Order? Experts warn this could be why you may face a £20,000 fine for cutting down a tree in your own garden
You need to know about TPOs if you're planning on making any changes to the trees in your garden
By Katie Sims
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How to improve drainage in a garden — 4 DIY options drainage experts say will solve waterlogging
These are the best garden drainage systems you can install yourself
By Katie Sims
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What is a soakaway? Drainage pros reveal how this system could be the solution to standing water in your garden
We speak to the experts about soakaways, including how they work and which homes can benefit from them
By Katie Sims
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Should you feed houseplants in winter? Experts reveal it may cause more harm than good
Skip the plant food to give your houseplants the best chance of survival this winter
By Katie Sims
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When to deadhead pansies to encourage a new flush of beautiful blooms, according to gardening experts
Here are the telltale signs that your pansies need deadheading, to enjoy these flowers at their best
By Katie Sims