
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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6 areas you need to declutter before putting your house on the market for a fast and easy sale, according to experts
Your step-by-step guide to getting your house ready to sell
By Katie Sims
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Can I paint over old paint on a front door? Experts reveal when it's OK to skip this step
If you're repainting your front door this spring, here's what you should be doing with the old paint first
By Katie Sims
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The home maintenance tasks to tick off your list this April – the jobs to prioritise this month, according to experts
This is the month to finally tackle them
By Katie Sims
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Dyson’s new release has revolutionised the handheld vacuum cleaner — it has the power of a full-size model without the hefty price tag
We put the Dyson Car+Boat to the test to see if it's worth the premium price tag
By Katie Sims
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I tried Dualit's new bean-to-cup coffee machine - it proved exactly why this is one of the best British kitchen appliance brands
Plus it's cheaper than other bean-to-cup machines, too
By Katie Sims
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How to maximise hanging space in a wardrobe — 7 savvy hacks that will put dead space to good use
Get the most out of your wardrobe's hanging space with these expert tips
By Katie Sims
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When to plant zinnia seeds to guarantee beautiful blooms in time for summer, according to gardening pros
The best time to plant zinnia seeds, plus top tips to help you enjoy this beautiful flower year-round
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