Move, remove, shift, transfer are comparable when they mean to change or to cause to change from one place to another.
All of these terms are general in that they do not in themselves and apart from the context imply a definite kind of agent or agency or a definite means of conveyance or transportation or give an indication of the extent of distance covered.
Move is by far the most comprehensive term and is chiefly used when nothing more than the motion or activity involved in a change of place is to be indicated.
Remove adds to move the implication that the person or thing that changes or is changed from one place to another is moved from or quits a place which is his or its normal or original location, station, position, or occupation for one which is new or temporary. When the idea of getting rid or eradicating is stressed, remove is appropriate.
Shift throws so much emphasis on change of location or direction that the implications of voluntary or guided motion or activity are seldom apparent; therefore the term is often preferred when unrest or uncertainty or instability is to be suggested. However, shift also is used when a mere change in position is implied.
Transfer (see also TRANSFER 2 ) commonly implies a change from hand to hand, or from one mode of conveyance to another, or from one depository to another; it is often used in a specific sense especially in the business of transportation.