I find that one of the easiest ways for me to get my bearings on a new place is to go to Costco.
One can very well survive shopping only at Costco. Do I need pants? Batteries? Bread? Bananas? Gas? These are things I buy regularly at my home Costco, and I will likely need to buy at the new place too. And though the prices here are generally higher than back home (this is Canada, after all) the quality, sizes, and brands are roughly comparable.
Lastly, if I am feeling a little bit adventurous, I can indulge in some local flavor (poutine, anyone?).