
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
-
How to dry clothes in a small space
The clever laundry solutions to suit compact living areas
By Katie Sims
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
4 surprising things you can clean with a tennis ball, according to the professionals
Put your tennis balls to good use with these top tips
By Katie Sims
-
How to force rhubarb — 5 easy steps to a delicious early crop for crumble and more
Now is the perfect time to force rhubarb, and it can be done in 5 simple steps
By Katie Sims
-
7 ways to make your life easier and cheaper in 2025 — our top at-home hacks for a less stressful year
Yes, life at home can be easier and cheaper this year – here are our top tips
By Katie Sims
-
How much does it cost to run an air fryer? Do they save money?
We've calculated what it will cost to cook with an air fryer following the new July energy price cap
By Katie Sims
-
How to get rid of items after a declutter — 3 ways to get your unwanted stuff out of your home
Ready to part ways with some items, but unsure what to do with them? Here's the expert advice you need
By Katie Sims
-
How much does it cost to run a boiling water tap?
We calculated the cost of running a boiling water tap to see if the investment pays off
By Katie Sims
-
How much does it cost to run a multi-cooker — does the air fryer alternative save money?
Here's how much your multi-cooker will cost to run under the latest energy price cap
By Katie Sims