I like the original post!
I always make sure to have done a full and free, and sense control check before leaving the chocks and again just before entering the runway to line up. The first time picks up control restrictions before you embarrass yourself, and the second time picks up further control restrictions due to objects that might have dislodged during startup and taxi.
I also have a last minute sanity check that everything / one is strapped in and doors / canopies locked. Once whilst flying as pax we lost a canopy on the take-off roll even though the canopy alarm wasn't sounding. It wasn't fun and I wouldn't want to inflict that, or an open door, on a passenger.