Backup and Move to New Host

Hello. I am fed up with my current host. It seems that my site goes down at least once a day. I am ready to move to a new host. I have two questions:

1. What is the best, and easiest, way to backup and move my site. I need to keep the theme, plugins and posts all intact (with correct dates on posts and comments).

2. I am looking at moving to Host Gator for my hosting. DOes anyone have experience with them? Are they a good company, or do you know of a better one that doesn’t cost a ton of money?

Thanks for your help.

Rusty Painter
painterramblings.com