Did we tell you to read the POH already?
Here's how I typically prepare my checkout on a new type.
First, flip through the POH to see what sections there are. (Should be standardized.)
Then I'm going to read the "description" sections a bit more carefully, paying particular attention to the various user-controlled systems such as electric and fuel.
Next I'm going to the performance section and run a few mock calculations, particularly the ISA, nil wind, MSL, MTOW take-off and landing performance numbers. Also useful load and expected endurance. I then compare these to similar numbers from other aircraft.
Then I'm going to break out the club-approved checklist, compare it to the checklist that's in the POH and see where/why they differ. (There may be a good and legitimate reason.)
The club-approved checklist will also contain a list of V-speeds and cruise power settings. I will compare these to the POH and if the list is somehow not complete, I update the club-approved list.
At the end of this I've got a pretty good idea about the procedures and performance characteristics of the aircraft, and I have essentially been through all sections of the POH. All that is required is go fly.
Oh, and when I'm going for the clubcheck, I tend to be an hour early so that I can walk round and sit in the aircraft at leisure, going over the checklist again, getting used to the picture outside (important for landing!) and so forth.