We have loads of things that need batteries and find that traditional rechargeables Ni-Mh tend to run down very quickly.  In fact they lost 1% of their charge every day on average.  This is why they are usually not any use for that torch in the drawer, remotes, clocks etc.  Cheap Ni-Mh batteries are even worse.  

So if you want to change over to rechargeables then I suggest you make sure you buy what are called low self-discharge versions.  These are still Ni-Mh batteries but they typically lose less than 1% of their charge per month instead of per day and so can kick around in a drawer or be used in remotes, clocks etc exactly as you would with normal batteries.  They also have a lower internal resistance so are better suited to high current drain applications like cameras, motorised toys, high power torches etc.  

The only downside to them which is that they can't be charged as quickly as other rechargeables so you need to ensure your charger is not one of those 1hr fast ones and they also have a slightly lower capacity than standard rechargeables but as they don't lose their charge as quickly, they may actually seem to have a higher capacity in real use.  

There are a few brands out there which I will try  list sometime soon but some of the best ones are typically the Sanyo Eneloops.  Here is an Amazon link to some for reference, you can get AAA and AA versions.  

The charger we use is not cheap but works with AA & AAA's and will protect the life of the batteries, 

Rechargeables are a little like energy saving lightbulbs, if you buy the cheapest you are typically very disappointed but the better ones will last years and years.