A "pre-flight check" similar to what a pilot does helps.
- Put the rear wheel between the legs, grab the saddle with your hands and wrench it up/down/sideways hard.
- Put the front wheel between your legs, grab the bar and check that it doesn't rotate side to side.
- Grab the front brake lever and rock the bike front to back feeling for a clunk which would indicate a loose headset.
- Grab the rear brake, put you foot on the pedal and push down hard to stress the drive train.
- Stand on the side of the bike, put one pedal in the six o'clock position, put your foot on it and press down hard. Try to flex the frame.
- Hold the bike an inch or two in the air and let it down. You don't have to slam it. Just enough to listen for rattles, something which might be loose like a water bottle cage.
- Check wheel quick release.
- Visually inspect tires, brake pads/calipers. Grab the brake pad holders in your fingers and try to move them. Grab the caliper and twist it to make sure it isn't loose.
- Ride across the parking lot or to the Cul de Sac before you head out in earnest.
- Etc.
-Tim-