How exciting! I have done major moves and job changes several times. Always scary but an adventure too--and so much easier now in the days of smart phones and Google maps than back in the days when you had to go to the gas station and buy one of those big map books to get around.
Specific suggestions: Once you know where you are living (do you have a place yet?) use the internet to locate a grocery store, hardware store, store that sells All the Things (for when you need a toilet plunger at 9 PM), and gas station. If you are going to be using public transportation, spend some time to figure out how the system works; spend some time walking, driving or biking around to get the lay of the land. Try different routes to get places once you have the landmarks down. Angie's List is worth the price to figure out recommendations for doctors, mechanics, etc. (I found word of mouth to be unreliable).
For friendmaking: Aside from meet-up, church or volunteering, in some areas (the South especially) alumni groups can be quite strong. Book groups (the public library usually has some) are good conversation starters. Even if you are shy, make yourself a rule to invite a co-worker for coffee or lunch once a week and ask for suggestions about your new area. Most people love to talk about their favorites. Specific questions (where can I get a great burger?) will get more useful information than general ones. Especially if you are living in multifamily housing, it is worth it to proactively introduce yourself to the neighbors and make nice. Eventually there WILL be a problem you have to cooperate on, and it will go better if you know each other on a friendly basis.
For the times when you are feeling lonely: Scout out ahead of time some of the things you like to do, whether that's bike trails, movie theaters, coffee shops. I always got my library card right away as a place to go with humans. I would also budget a little more in the early days on socializing etc. It's investment in human capital...once you know people better you can suggest budget matinees and free park picnics.