We worry more about our pets than our children – according to surprising new research.

Nine per cent of homeowners surveyed were concerned that their furry friends settled in when they moved area, compared with eight per cent who had the same fears for their kids.

Other issues that bothered people when moving house were nightmare neighbours (55 per cent) and post going to a previous address (25 per cent).

The study involved 1,900 home movers and was carried out on behalf of Royal Mail.

Findings revealed other stressors when moving house included worries about not liking the new area/home (43 per cent), noise from traffic (21 per cent) and a high risk of crime (20 per cent).

Not being able to register with a dentist or doctor nearby also made the list (19 per cent), along with parking issues or poor transport links (15 per cent) and no community spirit (14 per cent).

Women were less bothered about access to pubs or cafés than men, highlighting a gender difference in priorities – with five per cent of females considering this an issue compared to nine per cent of males.

Those in Scotland and the Midlands worried most about neighbours with more than half (57 per cent) citing this as their top fear. And residents in Northern England were more likely to focus on crime rates (23 per cent).

Managing director of data services at Royal Mail, Jim Conning, said: “Moving home is a stressful time, so adding a new area into the mix can be very daunting. There are so many tasks to think about that fears can multiply quickly.

“Your neighbours and the area in which you live play a vital role in making you feel comfortable and happy in your new surroundings, so it is important that they feel right.

“It is good to know householders are aware of the risk around mail going to a previous address. Redirecting your mail – whether it is by taking out a redirection or updating your service providers – may seem like a small part of a move but it is vital in protecting yourself against ID theft.”

And anxiety over moving to a new area was too much for some and nearly a fifth (18 per cent) chose a new home within a mile of their old one.