Wiring
This is where the handheld VHF COM come into play, in my opinion. Get the ATIS and start-up clearance using the handheld, saving your limited ship's battery capacity for the start-up. On most small planes, you need to switch on the master just to activate one radio set, and that will usually start the power draining turn indicator right away.
Regarding lights, planes are not only equipped differently, but also wired differently. One some the ACL - anticollision light - (usually on the tail fin) is a non-strobe light and can be turned on seperately from the wing strobes. This is useful as the non-strobe ACL can be turned on just before engine start, and strobe light turned on while entering the runway. The big guys do it that way. But on many small planes with strobe lights there is only one ACL switch, so everyone is "flashed" once the compulsory light is on; people by the hangar, the fuel station and on the run-up ramp. Annoying especially at night.