Apple's File Structure - How to move a file back vs forward

If I create a folder and add various things to this folder, how do I take it back a level from the folder. I know I can copy and paste but this takes time for it to re-load again. I am working with a 24 T G-Dive and video files and trying to organize things more efficiently. It is easy to create a folder and then put another folder or file into this but then if I change my mind , I am having trouble backing it up a level. How can I open all my files one once on all levels and move them around??