If you have the proper safe lifting device, I find that taking them out as a unit is easier. I do it by myself on fairly regular basis. But I also have the luxury of a concrete floor and a chain hoist. Having smashed various body parts over the past years wrestling HEAVY transmissions or engines trying to get them connected together properly in the car, if I am removing the engine then the trans comes with it.
Takes more time but I think it makes for better job. I usually pull lines first. Take the radiator out of car, nothing like engine swinging free and jamming water pump into radiator.

However you decide to do it , be safe. rcs