I think that's a wise way to approach it. I took a similar journey. HRT was always within easy access for me [1], but it still took me six years before I was ready to start. Mind you, there were some external factors at play, e.g. concerns about my partner and family, but I spent a lot of that time making *very* sure that I was doing the right thing.
[1] pros of getting HRT in the USA: if you're in a friendly state, it is very easy to acquire. cons of getting HRT in the USA: you have to get it through the US healthcare system. Many universities make it extra easy to get through student health plans, but I sadly never got a chance to do this.