While independent checklist items are ideal, some checklists require a specific sequence. The order matters when later checks depend on earlier ones.
Preflight checklists for aircraft are strongly sequential. You must zero an instrument before reading it. You must turn on systems before testing them.
When items have dependencies, make the sequence explicit. Number the items. Add notes like "Complete item 3 before proceeding."
But distinguish between strong and weak sequencing. Strong sequencing is logically or physically necessary—skipping the order produces invalid results or danger.
Weak sequencing is about efficiency or psychology. For example, putting commonly-failed items first saves time, but checking them last wouldn't invalidate your results.
When possible, minimize dependencies. Break strongly sequential processes into phases, with independent checks within each phase.
References
Scriven, M. (2000). The logic and methodology of checklists.