How do I learn my new kitchen?

Tomorrow we move into a new apartment. I've also recently decided to put more effort into cooking at home.

How do I get to know my new equipment? Unfortunately I'll have yet another electric cooktop, and limited counter space. But I only have to cook for my wife and I, so I should be able to make the space work.

Should I buy some sort of thermometer(s) to figure out what I'm working with on the cooktop/oven/stove? I'm planning on putting up some pegboard to hang pans and such.

Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?

Wow. You're much farther ahead of the game than I've ever been when moving! You're absolutely right - there's a learning curve with a new kitchen, temps, where to store stuff, best use of space, optimizing your fridge. I've never sat down and thought it through in advance, though - just made my family suffer through a few not-quite-there meals as I work it out. I suppose measuring temperatures would be a good idea - but I rarely do that (other than the leave-in thermometers in the fridge and oven.)

I suppose you could try starting out with braises or stews, which require a lot of logistics and chopping, so they'd help you find your way around the cabinets and counter spaces, but which are forgiving in terms of time and temperature and might help you get a feel for both - and you can start on the stove and finish in the oven on low. They also generate a lot of steam (as opposed to smoke) to give you a feel for ventilation.

IDK, I really don't understand an oven until I roast a chicken in it, though.