Unfortunately there is no other way to do it. I recently had to change quill stems and it is a huge hassle. I was able to get it done with only removing tape, lever, and bar end shifter from one side of the bar. Unhook your brakes (if you have cantilever) and that should give you enough wiggle room to get by with only removing things from half your handlebar. After a quill stem change you'll be wishing you had a threadless stem, I know I was.