SIX "surprising benefits" of moving house are being shared by a company that supplies protective coverings for the home.

Protection Supplies says two-thirds of Brits say a house move is more stressful than getting divorced or starting a new job.

However, a change of address can kickstart some good habits, according to the firm, which provides protective materials for carpets, windows, doors and more during redecorating, DIY, parties and house moves.

l Labelled as the "discontinuity effect", researchers have uncovered that bad habits can be amended when you change the factors around the habit, such as location.

l Research has also shown that after the age of 25 we are likely to lose a friend in each decade of our lives. Relocating could help overcome this hurdle by introducing us to new neighbours and different friendship circles.

l The so-called "relocation bump" claims that 65 per cent of people are more likely to recall a past event if it occurred around a time they moved a house. Being such a significant reference point, it often provides a setting for other memories.

l Naturally, with any house move, you’re likely to declutter beforehand to packing up easier. The pre-move declutter has been found to help with future habits as you’re more likely to question future purchases. Research in the USA has found the more you move house, the fewer possessions you are likely to have as you develop "attitudes of disposability" towards books, furniture and clothes.

l A study of 18,000 people by Cardiff University showed we are more likely to use a greener mode of transport after changing address, swapping the commute by car for public transport or cycling. Some 87 per cent of UK households reported travel issues as a consideration when moving home.

l Last but not least, relocating to a new town or city can lead to you making a profit from your house sale. Protection Supplies says data from last year shows homeowners on average made a £92,000 profit, with 20 per cent doubling their money.